Trump Tariffs Face Supreme Court Setback, New 10% Global Duties Imposed
US Supreme Court rules 6-3 against many of Trump's tariffs, prompting him to impose new 10% global import duties.
The US Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to former President Donald Trump on February 20, 2026, by invalidating many of his sweeping import tariffs. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority, asserting that tariff imposition is a legislative power reserved for Congress. Furious with the setback, Trump immediately announced a new 10% tariff on imports from across the globe, effective February 24, 2026, for 150 days.
Trump’s fascination with tariffs has been a defining feature of his economic agenda. Starting February 1, 2025, he imposed 25% duties on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on Chinese goods, citing concerns over fentanyl and immigration. The following months saw escalating duties on steel, aluminium, automobiles, and a blanket 10% tariff on most global imports, including significant levies on Indian goods.
Throughout 2025, Trump signed multiple executive orders and negotiated trade deals with countries including the UK, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, often adjusting tariff rates in response to diplomatic pressure or bilateral agreements. India became a particular focus, facing duties ranging from 25% to 50% over concerns about Russian oil imports. Temporary pauses and tariff reductions were also enacted, including a framework deal with China and Europe.
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Legal challenges gradually curtailed Trump’s unilateral tariff powers. In May 2025, a US Court of International Trade ruled that the President exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), though some tariffs were temporarily reinstated on appeal. The Supreme Court’s ruling now firmly invalidates many of Trump’s high-profile duties, citing constitutional limits on executive authority.
Despite the court setback, Trump acted swiftly to maintain leverage in global trade, announcing a new 10% duty on all imports worldwide. Analysts warn that the move, though temporary, could heighten trade tensions and disrupt supply chains, while also setting the stage for renewed political and legal battles over presidential trade powers.
The Trump tariff saga highlights the intersection of executive authority, international diplomacy, and domestic economic policy. From initial 25% duties on North American imports to the Supreme Court’s rebuke, the timeline illustrates the volatile impact of unilateral trade measures on global commerce.
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