US court of appeals rules many of Trump's import tariffs illegal

30 August 2025

On Friday, a federal court of appeals ruled that most of the import tariffs imposed by president Donald Trump were unlawful, thus upholding an earlier decision by a lower court. This ruling is a major setback for the president’s protectionist trade policy.

According to the court, Trump can't invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify higher import duties on various trading partners. Several small businesses and Democrat-led states had challenged Trump’s extensive use of trade powers, arguing that only Congress has the authority to levy taxes and tariffs.

Unlimited authority

In May, a federal district court had already ruled in their favour, declaring many of the president’s tariffs invalid. The court found that the law does not grant Trump “unlimited authority” to pursue his global trade war, according to US media reports.

The ruling applies specifically to Trump’s 'reciprocal tariffs' on imported goods, which ranged from 10 to 50 per cent depending on the country. These duties were applied to most nations worldwide, alongside additional tariffs targeting China, Mexico and Canada. Levies on certain sectors, such as cars, steel and aluminium, were introduced under a different law and are therefore not affected by the judgment.

Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)

ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong. The U.S.A. will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America. At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products. For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Truth Social

"If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America," he wrote on his Truth Social. "If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong."

The tariffs may remain in force until 14 October, which gives the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

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