U.S. Supreme Court rules against Trump’s use of emergency powers for tariffs

The Supreme Court found the president exceeded authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, invalidating tariffs imposed under that law; sector-specific tariffs under other statutes remain in place.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the president exceeded the authority granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when using it to impose broad tariffs last year. The decision targets duties imposed under IEEPA and upholds earlier lower-court rulings. It does not affect tariffs imposed under other statutes. The ruling leaves questions about money already collected under IEEPA. Key facts: - The court invalidated tariffs that were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). - Sector-specific tariffs imposed under other laws, including duties on steel, aluminum, automobiles and lumber, remain in effect. - Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed by companies seeking refunds or priority claims for duties collected under IEEPA; the status of repayments is unresolved. Summary: The decision removes a legal basis the administration used to impose wide tariffs under IEEPA and raises questions about refunds for duties already collected. Officials have said the administration may pursue other legal tools, but how Washington will proceed is undetermined at this time.