Court blocks Trump tariffs, testing limits of trade authority

Mace | 29th May 2025 | Diplomacy, Embassy News, Politics, Washington
Former,President,Donald,Trump,Speaks,To,Press,Before,The,Start

A U.S. federal court has struck down President Trump’s global tariffs, ruling they exceed the limits of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The administration has appealed, insisting trade talks remain on track. The ruling affects Executive Order 14257 but leaves other trade measures intact, pending further judicial review.

A U.S. federal court has invalidated most of President Donald Trump's global tariffs, ruling that they exceed his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Court of International Trade determined that the administration's justification—citing economic threats and trade deficits—did not meet the "unusual and extraordinary threat" criteria required by the 1977 statute. The court's decision immediately halts the enforcement of these tariffs, which were a central component of Trump's "Liberation Day" trade policy. The ruling specifically targets tariffs imposed under Executive Order 14257, which established a baseline 10% duty on imports from most countries, with higher rates on certain nations. The court found that the IEEPA does not grant the president the authority to unilaterally impose such broad tariffs without congressional approval. However, tariffs enacted under other statutes, such as Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices), remain unaffected by this decision. The Trump administration has filed an appeal against the ruling, asserting that the tariffs are essential for protecting American industries and addressing trade imbalances. Economic adviser Kevin Hassett stated that ongoing trade negotiations would continue despite the court's decision. The court's decision has been welcomed by several U.S. states and small businesses that challenged the tariffs, arguing they were economically damaging and legally unjustified. Internationally, countries affected by the tariffs have expressed hope that the ruling will lead to the removal of trade barriers that have strained economic relations. While the administration explores legal options to reinstate the tariffs, the appeal process will determine whether the president can rely on the IEEPA to justify wide-ranging trade measures without congressional backing....

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