The future of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs now rests with the US Supreme Court, which has confirmed it will not issue a ruling this Friday in one of the most closely watched trade cases in recent history. The delay has added to the uncertainty surrounding a legal battle that could redefine how much power a US president holds over international trade and how billions of dollars in tariffs are collected.
At the center of the case is Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, a law meant to give presidents special authority during national emergencies. Trump relied on this law to justify imposing wide-ranging tariffs on imports, arguing that massive trade deficits and the flow of fentanyl into the United States posed serious threats to national security and economic stability.
These tariffs affected a broad range of products, from consumer goods to industrial materials, disrupting global supply chains and raising costs for companies and consumers alike. Businesses and trade groups later challenged the move in court, claiming the president had overstepped his authority by using an emergency law to implement what was effectively a large-scale trade policy.
The stakes are enormous. If the Supreme Court rules that Trump’s use of IEEPA was unlawful, importers could be entitled to as much as $150 billion in refunds. Major companies such as Costco, Reebok, and Peloton would stand to recover substantial sums, while the ruling would also limit the ability of future presidents to impose tariffs without direct approval from Congress.
If, however, the court upholds the tariffs, it would significantly expand presidential power over trade. Such a decision would allow the White House to use emergency laws to reshape global commerce, potentially opening the door to more aggressive and unilateral trade actions in the future. Analysts warn this could lead to renewed trade tensions with key US partners.
The Trump administration has remained confident. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett recently said the government expects to win the case. He also revealed that senior officials have already discussed backup options if the ruling goes against them. According to Hassett, the administration has “other tools” that could still be used to achieve similar trade outcomes even if the court limits the use of IEEPA.
The Supreme Court’s decision will have far-reaching consequences beyond the United States. Countries that depend heavily on exports to the US are closely watching the case, as the outcome could influence global markets, supply chains, and diplomatic relations. Investors and manufacturers are also awaiting clarity, as the ruling will shape future trade policies and economic planning.
With the court declining to issue a decision this week, uncertainty continues to hang over international trade. Whether Trump’s tariffs survive or are struck down, the ruling is expected to become a landmark moment in US trade law and presidential authority.