The US Supreme Court has scheduled a November 5 hearing to review the legality of former President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, marking a major test of executive power in shaping trade policy. The decision follows a lower court ruling that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking a 1977 emergency law to impose sweeping tariffs.
Trump’s tariff program, one of the most aggressive shifts in US trade policy in decades, targeted imports from multiple markets. The appeals court found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which Trump used to justify his actions, does not explicitly grant authority to impose tariffs. Despite the ruling, the tariffs have remained in place while the case proceeds.
If overturned, the decision could significantly reduce US tariff rates and potentially force the government to refund tens of billions of dollars collected from import duties. The Supreme Court has also agreed to hear a related challenge brought by a family-owned toy company, highlighting the broad economic impact of the case.