Collective Horology Sues Trump Administration Over Tariffs
Independent watch retailer Collective Horology LLC has filed a lawsuit against President Trump and various government officials, challenging the legality of new import tariffs. The company argues these duties exceed presidential authority, lack congressional approval, and significantly harm American businesses in the watch industry.
- Lawsuit filed in the United States Court of International Trade on July 24.
- Alleges tariffs of 10% and 12.5% under Section 301 of the Trade Act exceed presidential authority.
- Collective Horology has paid over $160,000 in tariff duties.
- The company expects to pay approximately $8,280 in tariffs on upcoming imports valued at $69,000.
Collective Horology, founded in 2018, retails independent watch brands including Armin Strom, Czapek, Fears, J.N. Shapiro, and Ming.
The lawsuit claims the administration has used alternative laws to maintain tariffs despite a Supreme Court ruling against the initial round.
The tariffs are allegedly imposed due to concerns about forced labor in countries including Switzerland, a major hub for high horology.
The lawsuit was filed with support from the Liberty Justice Center, a non-profit advocating for economic liberty.
The plaintiffs state that for small retailers, an additional 10% or 12.5% duty has a substantial and immediate impact.
Collective Horology's CEO estimates the company has lost access to hundreds of thousands of dollars due to these duties.
The watchmaking industry is noted as unique because movements and components are produced at scale in only a few countries, and the U.S. lacks large-scale production capacity.