US Supreme Court rules parts of Trump’s tariffs unlawful

The US Supreme Court has ruled that current President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when imposing a range of global tariffs.

According to the court, Trump overstepped his powers by introducing sweeping duties on goods imported into the United States under legislation intended for national emergencies. The case centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977.

The opinion was authored by Chief Justice John Roberts and supported by a majority that included three liberal justices and two conservative colleagues. The ruling strikes down many, but not all, of Trump’s tariffs. He may still attempt to reinstate some duties using other legal mechanisms.

The decision does not affect every tariff measure, leaving in place those imposed under different statutes, including duties on steel and aluminum.

"It upends his tariffs in two categories. One is country-by-country or “reciprocal” tariffs, which range from 34% for China to a 10% baseline for the rest of the world," NBC reported.

Companies that paid the affected duties may be eligible for refunds from the US Treasury. Hundreds of firms have already received compensation.

Lower courts had previously questioned the legality of much of Trump’s tariff policy. In 2025, the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan blocked two presidential orders introducing import duties, and the Federal Court of Appeals later echoed concerns about the policy’s legality.