A U.S. court has declared former President Donald Trump’s global tariff measures unlawful, ruling by a 7–4 majority on Friday. The court stated that Trump had overstepped legal limits and misused emergency economic powers when imposing the tariffs.
Although the tariffs will not be removed immediately, the ruling states they will remain in place only until October, giving Trump time to appeal to the Supreme Court.
After beginning his second presidential term in January 2025, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose reciprocal tariffs on most U.S. trade partners. The initial rate was 10 percent, with higher rates applied to certain countries. He also introduced separate tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, citing efforts to control drug trafficking.
However, the court’s decision clarified: “The president may take various actions after declaring a national emergency, but that authority does not extend to imposing tariffs or taxes.”
The ruling could have serious consequences for Trump’s trade and economic policies. If the Supreme Court also finds the tariffs unlawful, the U.S. government may be required to return billions of dollars collected over recent years.
Reacting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “The court made the wrong decision, but ultimately, America will win.” He vowed to fight the case in the Supreme Court.
Analysts warn that the verdict has already created uncertainty in agreements with major trade partners, including the European Union.
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