What is the legal basis for the new tariffs - I thought the Supreme Court had overturned the last lot ?
I believe he's using a different law than the one that he used for the tariffs that were in question at the SCOTUS. I don't know all the details, but I assume the law he's using now doesn't quite give him the same sweeping powers that the other one would have, had his right to use it been upheld.
He's using this statute to justify his action. Quoting:
The tariffs were imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows presidents to levy tariffs in cases of unfair trade practices, with Trump alleging in this case the tariffs are justified because the countries don’t properly ban the importation of goods produced using forced labor.
He is saying the reason he is advancing new tariffs is because the countries in question are benefitting from forced labor, such as receiving products made in slave labor camps of China.
The Chinese, of course, claim they have no slave labor camps.
And Trump is ignoring products made in the United States that are produced within our own prison system.
While our 13th amendment prohibits slavery it does allow for forced labor as punishment for a crime. Many civil rights advocates are now demanding that loophole be closed.
Comments
I believe he's using a different law than the one that he used for the tariffs that were in question at the SCOTUS. I don't know all the details, but I assume the law he's using now doesn't quite give him the same sweeping powers that the other one would have, had his right to use it been upheld.
The Chinese, of course, claim they have no slave labor camps.
And Trump is ignoring products made in the United States that are produced within our own prison system.
While our 13th amendment prohibits slavery it does allow for forced labor as punishment for a crime. Many civil rights advocates are now demanding that loophole be closed.
Not going to happen in the near future, though.