Spice Importer Sues Over New Trump Tariffs Targeting Single-Source Goods

Burland & Barrel, a specialty spice importer founded by Ori Zohar, is suing the Trump administration over recently announced tariffs that impose 10 %-12.5 % duties on certain foreign goods. The tariffs are presented as anti-forced-labor measures but, according to Zohar, they indiscriminately target businesses that rely on unique imports, such as Vietnamese cinnamon and French herbs. The lawsuit is being pursued with the help of the Liberty Justice Center, a libertarian legal nonprofit that has successfully challenged earlier tariff regimes in federal courts, including the Supreme Court.

Legal scholars, including Alan Wolff of the Peterson Institute for International Trade, contend that the president exceeded constitutional authority, as Congress alone can set tariff policy. If upheld, the new duties could cost Burland & Barrel an additional $50,000-$100,000 annually, adding to prior refunds the company received after earlier tariffs were struck down.