California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently hosted a roundtable in Los Angeles to discuss the impact of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The meeting included leaders from trucking, shipping industries, ports, small businesses, and business chambers. This event follows California’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration regarding its use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to impose these tariffs.
Attorney General Bonta highlighted the significant harm these tariffs have caused to California’s economy. “President Trump’s destructive and unpredictable tariff regime has sent shockwaves through financial markets, businesses, and consumers in every corner of the globe — and especially here in California, home to the fourth largest economy in the world,” he stated. He expressed gratitude for the openness of Los Angeles business leaders about the challenges they face due to these policies.
Henry Rogers from the Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce noted that “the erratic tariff policies have created unprecedented uncertainty for harbor businesses.” Nella McOsker from Central City Association added that “tariff increases are straining essential drivers of the LA economy,” including construction and manufacturing sectors. Maria S. Salinas from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce emphasized that “tariffs create real-life consequences for businesses across Los Angeles.”
The state’s lawsuit seeks to challenge what it deems as illegal tariffs threatening jobs and economic stability. Filed on April 16 by Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom, this legal action contests Trump’s authority under IEEPA without congressional consent. A motion for a preliminary injunction was filed in May with ongoing litigation at various judicial levels.
More details on this lawsuit are available through official channels.
