A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that most of former President Donald Trump’s global tariffs were imposed unlawfully.
The decision, issued by a 7–4 majority, stated that the president did not have the authority to use emergency economic powers to levy broad tariffs on other countries. According to the court, the power to impose such duties rests with Congress, not the executive branch.
The ruling directly affects the so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, which were applied to countries including China, Mexico, and Canada during Trump’s presidency.
These measures had been justified by the administration as necessary to protect U.S. industries and to balance trade relations, but the court found that the legal basis for them was weak and beyond presidential powers.
Although the court has struck down the tariffs, they will not disappear immediately. The judges allowed them to remain in effect until October 14, giving the government time to seek further review. This opens the door for the Biden administration or Trump’s legal team to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, which would have the final say on the matter.
The decision has significant implications for trade policy and separation of powers in the United States. It reinforces Congress’s role in controlling tariffs and trade duties, while limiting the scope of presidential authority under emergency laws.
For businesses, importers, and trading partners, the ruling introduces both uncertainty and hope, as the outcome could reshape U.S. trade relations with key countries.
The case now moves closer to what could become a landmark Supreme Court decision on presidential power in trade matters.
