In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025, as the case heads for a possible Supreme Court review, cited Expana. The tariffs in question are those implemented using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and those taking aim at fentanyl trafficking, according to the court documents. The court affirmed the lower court’s declaration that these tariffs are “invalid as contrary to law.” The injunction blocking the tariffs was vacated only for the purpose of reconsidering scope and remedy, but the legal conclusion that the tariffs are unlawful stands. The decision does not affect other tariffs imposed under different legal authorities (e.g., Section 301 tariffs on China, Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs)—it only addresses tariffs imposed under IEEPA via these specific Executive Orders.
Before last weekend’s US court ruling, the European Commission (EC) proposed the removal of duties on imported US industrial goods in return for reduced US tariffs on European cars, a key part of the trade agreement the European Union and the United States struck last month, cited Expana.
Also on Wednesday, Russian President Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping in China for a military parade days after Indian Prime Minister Modi also visited China. Afterwards, President Trump accused the group of conspiring against the USA, via Truth Social. US trade and Ukrainian peace negotiations have stalled with India and Russia, respectively. US tariffs on China are still 30% amid a cooldown from the retaliatory tariff spat earlier this year. Coupled with US court ruling uncertainty, those watching the ongoing tariff saga wonder if these countries will bend to Trump’s tariff regime, or “conspire” to combat the US tariff approach. Other countries with high tariff rates, like Brazil, have not made any breakthroughs thus far.
Despite constant uncertainty and new court rulings, the US administration has not backed down from tariffs and import duties as a core component of their governing plan. As has been stated in the past, the administration will continue to find ways to profit from imports to the USA’s global consumer network, highlighted by a USTR ruling which Expana’s team covered.
