US appeal court denies Trump bid to delay tariff refund lawsuits

In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, challenging his protectionist trade strategy. This decision limits the president's power and impacts his economic agenda. Despite the setback, Trump has found alternative methods to maintain existing trade barriers, keeping tariffs central to his policy. These tariffs aim to boost U.S. manufacturing and generate revenue. While the ruling restricts one of Trump's trade tools, the broader shift towards protectionism in U.S. trade policy continues.

Following the Supreme Court's rejection of emergency powers as justification for Trump's tariffs, analysts predict a potential surge in Chinese imports to the US. Companies are expected to accelerate orders from China in the short term, anticipating a possible window before new tariffs, potentially higher, are implemented through alternative legal means or congressional approval. The ruling creates uncertainty for businesses reliant on Chinese goods or materials, prompting them to adjust their strategies. While some companies, like Cocona, are closely monitoring the situation, others, like Excel Dryer, have already shifted to domestic sourcing to mitigate tariff risks. The future of US-China trade relations and the impact of tariffs remain uncertain.

On February 24, 2026, new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump took effect, just days after the Supreme Court invalidated much of his previous tariff regime. U.S. Customs and Border Protection began collecting an additional 10% tariff on imported goods not covered by exemptions. This action follows the Supreme Court's ruling that Trump exceeded his authority in unilaterally imposing tariffs on individual countries. Trump defends the tariffs as necessary to address U.S. balance-of-payments deficits. The new tariff, which could be extended by Congress, is intended as a temporary measure lasting 150 days while a more permanent trade policy is developed.

Following a Supreme Court decision striking down previous tariffs, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced a new 15% global tariff imposed by President Trump. The tariff, initially planned at 10%, takes effect today and will last for 150 days. The previous tariffs were "reciprocal" and fentanyl tariffs imposed last year. The statement released by Ambassador Greer provides details on the new levy and its implementation. The reason for the new tariff was not stated in the article.

The Supreme Court blocked President Trump's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that the power to impose tariffs resides with Congress. In response, Trump immediately announced a blanket import duty under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, initially at 10% and then raised to 15%. This action, intended to address balance-of-payments deficits and prevent dollar depreciation, has caused alarm among officials and CEOs, impacting markets and leading the European Parliament to consider suspending work on a trade deal with the US. Section 122 is an untested law that allows the president to levy a "temporary import surcharge" of up to 15 per cent.

Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a State of the Union address amid deep political polarization. The speech comes as the midterm elections approach and polling data indicates more voters disapprove of his performance than approve. His last State of the Union address in February 2020 was marked by visible tension, with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi tearing up his speech afterwards. At that time, Trump used the address to highlight a strong economy and his "Make America Great Again" agenda. The upcoming speech will likely address similar themes against a backdrop of continued division.

In February 2026, a US Supreme Court ruling declared President Trump's previous tariffs unlawful, stating he exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court argued tariffs are a form of taxation, a power reserved for Congress. Trump responded by signing an executive order under Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974, initially imposing a 10% tariff on all countries the US trades with, then raising it to 15%. This law allows the president to impose tariffs for 150 days to address balance-of-payments deficits, requiring Congressional approval for extension. The new tariffs raise questions about existing US trade deals with countries including the EU, Vietnam, the UK, and India. The Supreme Court ruling does not affect tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and automotives, which were imposed under a different law.

In February 2026, President Donald Trump raised US global tariffs from 10 to 15 percent after the Supreme Court ruled his previous tariffs unconstitutional. The court's decision struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, deeming it Congress's power to set tariffs. Trump criticized the ruling and invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a new 10 percent tariff, immediately raising it to 15 percent, the highest rate allowed under that law. This move comes as businesses seek repayment for the $133 billion already collected under the previous tariffs. The new tariffs, which include exemptions for certain products, are limited to 150 days unless extended by Congress and could face legal challenges.

Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of his previous import tariffs, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a global tariff of 15%, an increase from the 10% he initially proposed. Trump made the announcement on social media, signaling his intent to continue using tariffs as a tool for international pressure despite the court's decision. The Supreme Court's ruling on Friday limited Trump's ability to impose tariffs using emergency powers. Trump stated he will utilize a different legal authority, having already signed an executive order to bypass Congress and impose a 10% tax on imports worldwide. The announcement was made on Saturday, February 20, 2026, in Washington.

The US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump overstepped his power by imposing sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court stated that Congress, not the president, has the power to create new taxes. Following the ruling, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a new, temporary 10% tariff on goods from all countries using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. This action comes after the Supreme Court rejected tariffs enacted under IEEPA, which Trump had used to tax goods from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, citing issues like fentanyl trafficking and the US trade deficit. The legality of refunds for the estimated $130 billion generated by the original tariffs is uncertain and may face further legal challenges. Tariffs imposed under other laws, such as those on steel and aluminum, remain in place.

In February 2026, President Trump and Vice President Vance publicly criticized Supreme Court justices after the court struck down the White House's trade tariffs in a 6-3 decision. During a 45-minute address at the White House, Trump singled out Justices Gorsuch and Barrett, both of whom he appointed, calling their decision an "embarrassment" and accusing the court of being swayed by foreign interests, without providing evidence. He praised the dissenting justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their "strength and wisdom." The ruling against the tariffs was a blow to Trump's signature trade policy, leading to his sharp rebuke of the court.

In February 2026, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against President Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports from countries including the EU has created uncertainty in Europe. While many welcomed the decision, it raises questions about potential refunds and how the Trump administration will replace the tariffs. This uncertainty distracts from Europe's priorities, such as addressing the war in Ukraine and concerns about Chinese trade practices. European leaders are closely monitoring Trump's reaction and potential alternative measures to maintain tariffs. Experts believe the ruling may not ultimately disrupt the existing trade deal, but the unknowns will likely occupy leaders on both sides of the Atlantic for months.

Businesses face uncertainty after the Supreme Court overturned tariffs previously imposed by President Trump under an emergency powers law. The tariffs, intended to boost American manufacturers and reduce the trade gap, had instead led many U.S. businesses to raise prices. Following the ruling, Trump pledged to impose a 10% tariff on all imports for 150 days using a different law and explore other ways to impose tariffs on countries he considers to have unfair trade practices. The article reports that any economic boost from lowering tariffs in the near term is likely to be offset by a prolonged period. The Supreme Court ruling was made on Friday.

In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected tariffs issued by President Trump the previous year. The court, in a 6-3 decision, ruled that Trump lacked the authority to impose the tariffs under the law he cited, which was intended for national emergencies. President Trump responded by calling several of the Supreme Court justices a "disgrace." The ruling centered on the scope of presidential power in enacting tariffs and the interpretation of the relevant law. The decision limits the president's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs without Congressional approval.

In a 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court rejected former President Trump's tariffs, affirming a lower court ruling. The decision, delivered on Friday, strikes down Trump's use of a "national emergency" under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs. The court stated that the IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose tariffs. This ruling paves the way for refunds exceeding $100 billion to trade partners who paid the tariffs. The IEEPA, enacted in 1977, allows presidents to enact economic measures during national emergencies involving unusual threats. Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh dissented from the majority opinion.

In a 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that former President Trump illegally overstepped his executive authority by imposing global tariffs. The court found that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), intended for national emergencies, did not justify the tariffs. This decision invalidates a key aspect of Trump's economic agenda, which argued the tariffs would revitalize industry and benefit the US. The ruling reinforces that Congress holds the constitutional authority to levy taxes, including tariffs. Despite the Trump administration's argument that the tariffs were regulatory and not primarily for revenue, justices expressed skepticism, highlighting their impact as taxes on Americans. Trump claimed the ruling would have a significant negative impact on the US economy.

A Supreme Court ruling limits President Trump's ability to impose reciprocal and country-specific tariffs, challenging his trade strategy. While this invalidates some tariffs implemented since last year, the average tariff rate on goods entering the U.S. remains elevated, around three times higher than in early 2025, due to tariffs imposed under other legal justifications. The ruling will not impact the majority of trade under the UK's deal with the US including the sectoral tariffs on steel, pharmaceuticals and autos. Importers have adapted by shifting supply chains or absorbing costs, muting the impact on U.S. inflation. Despite the ruling, President Trump aims to find alternative legal avenues to reimpose similar tariffs, though these routes are more complex and time-consuming. The US collected $240 billion in tariff revenues last year.