Spice importer Burlap & Barrel co-founder sues Trump administration over new tariffs

Published Jul 31, 03:40 PM UTC

Ori Zohar, co-founder of single-source spice importer Burlap & Barrel, is suing the Trump administration over newly imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5%, ostensibly targeting forced labor. Zohar argues the tariffs are written so broadly that they harm businesses like his, which have no domestic alternatives for products like Vietnamese cinnamon or Herbes de Provence. The lawsuit, backed by the Liberty Justice Center, marks the third legal challenge to Trump's tariff regime, following previous victories before federal district court, appellate court, and the Supreme Court in the Learning Resources v. Trump case. The new tariffs could cost Burlap & Barrel an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Zohar expresses surprise that larger companies remain hesitant to challenge the tariffs despite broad public opposition. Legal experts, including Alan Wolff of the Peterson Institute, argue the tariffs likely exceed presidential authority and would be overturned by the Supreme Court if challenged.