Gellert sues to block 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

Gellert Global Group sued the Trump administration on October 20, asking a trade court to block 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods and refund duties already paid. The New Jersey food importer argues that the administration lacks authority to impose the duties under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and did not follow the law’s requirements. The complaint was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade. It seeks to stop collection of the tariffs, recover duties with interest and represent a proposed class of importers affected by the measures. The court has not certified the proposed class or ruled on the claims. Gellert’s complaint says the company paid at least $520,538 in duties on 22 cheese shipments between September 16 and October 11. It estimates the tariffs could cost about $40 million annually on Canadian cheese imports. Those amounts are the company’s claims and estimate, not court findings or a measured future loss. A central part of the challenge concerns the timing of the duties. Gellert says cheeses were added to the tariff lists on September 8, but collection began September 15, seven days later. The company argues that Section 338 requires a 30-day...