The new tariffs took effect just as the clock ran out on temporary tariffs President Donald Trump had turned to after the Supreme Court defeat. Trump used Section 301 to impose big tariffs on China in his first term, and they survived court challenges. Section 301 tariffs have proven to be a legally durable tool since the President’s first term, and they remain so now.” The states’ lawsuit follows two other lawsuits filed in The Court of International Trade in July by small businesses that also challenged the 301 tariffs. During Trump ‘s first term, he cited Section 301 to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, which survived legal challenges.