A US appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under emergency economic powers, declaring the levies illegal. The 7-4 decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a lower court’s finding but allowed the tariffs to remain in effect until mid-October, giving Trump time to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Trump, who reinstated broad “reciprocal” tariffs after returning to office in January, vowed to fight the ruling, saying the Supreme Court would ultimately uphold his policy. The court noted that while presidents have broad powers during national emergencies, the law does not explicitly grant authority to impose tariffs or taxes.
The decision casts uncertainty over billions of dollars collected through the duties and raises questions about trade deals struck with partners like the EU, Mexico, Canada, and China. Sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium, and autos were not part of the ruling.
