NEW YORK — A U.S. trade court heard arguments Wednesday challenging President Donald Trump’s forced-labour tariffs, including duties on Canadian goods.

Reuters reports that four businesses and 25 states contest the administration’s authority. Their lawyer argued that the government failed to justify tariffs through findings specific to each country. The administration defended its investigation.

Judges questioned both sides. A written decision is expected in coming weeks.

A hearing, not tariff relief

For Canadian readers following trade developments, the distinction matters: arguments presented in court are competing positions, not findings by the judges. This report concerns today’s hearing and does not announce a cancellation of duties.

The next important development will be the court’s written reasons and the remedy, if any, it orders. That will establish what this challenge changes for affected trade.

Sources: Reuters, September 30; Reuters report carried by Global News, September 30, 2:19 p.m. ET.

Supporting image: AI-generated editorial illustration; not a photograph of the event.