US court blocks temporary tariffs
A federal court in the United States ruled on Thursday that the 10% temporary tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in February 2025 were unlawful, marking a major development in the ongoing Trump tariffs ruling dispute.
The tariffs had replaced earlier, broader duties that were previously struck down by the US Supreme Court.
According to the ruling issued by the US Court of International Trade (ITC), the American administration could not rely on a 1974 trade law to impose broad tariffs aimed at rebalancing trade relations with international partners.
The court stated that the measures failed to comply with existing legislation, forming the basis of the Trump tariffs ruling.
Companies no longer subject to duties
Under the 2-1 decision by the three-judge panel, the three companies that challenged the tariffs will no longer be required to pay the additional 10% duties.
The court also ordered the US government to reimburse the companies, with interest, for tariffs paid over the past two months.
Setback for Trump’s trade agenda
The decision represents another setback for Trump, who placed tariffs at the centre of his economic and trade strategy following the start of his second presidential term in January 2025.
The President has repeatedly used tariff threats as leverage in negotiations, seeking both economic and geopolitical concessions from trading partners.
Although the tariffs ruling currently applies only to the three companies involved in the case, legal experts say it could create an important precedent. The judgment may encourage additional businesses to challenge Trump-era tariffs through the courts in the coming months.
Appeal remains possible
The ruling can still be appealed, meaning the legal battle surrounding the Trump tariffs ruling may continue through higher courts.
The outcome could have broader implications for future US trade policy and executive authority over tariffs.
Source: CNA
Also read: US moves ahead with 25% tariffs on EU cars
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