US Court Ruling Curbs Trump's “Liberation Day” Tariffs, Limits Presidential Trade Powers

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

US President, Donald Trump.

A United States federal court has overturned the bulk of tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, ruling that he exceeded his powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The Court of International Trade found that the economic conditions cited did not meet the legal requirement of posing an “unusual and extraordinary threat,” and therefore did not justify the sweeping trade measures. The decision halts wide-ranging import duties—including a 10% tariff on all goods entering the country—announced during Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” trade initiative.

Although most of the tariffs have been nullified, certain sector-specific duties, such as those on steel and aluminium, remain in effect. Trump's legal team has already lodged an appeal, and the matter may ultimately be considered by the Supreme Court.

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for future US trade policy, potentially limiting the President’s ability to impose broad tariffs without clear legislative backing.



PUKMEDIA