Spice importer Burlap & Barrel sues Trump admin over new tariffs, citing unconstitutional overreach

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 that have no domestic alternative for products like Vietnamese cinnamon or Herbes de Provence. The lawsuit, filed with help from the Liberty Justice Center, marks the third time the libertarian law firm has challenged Trump's tariff regime, having previously won cases before federal district court, appellate court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The new tariffs could cost Burlap & Barrel an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually, following a $110,000 refund from earlier overturned tariffs. Zohar expresses surprise that larger companies remain hesitant to challenge the broadly unpopular tariffs, leaving small businesses and a small legal nonprofit to lead the fight against what legal experts say is likely unconstitutional presidential overreach.