Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs”

 


A federal court has blocked most of Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs”, which he imposed in April 2025 under a national economic emergency declared through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The tariffs added a 10% base rate to all imports and extra tariffs on countries with higher duties on U.S. goods.


In the case V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled on May 28, 2025, that Trump overstepped his authority, stating:


The IEEPA does not justify using trade deficits or manufacturing decline as national emergencies.


Only Congress has the power to regulate tariffs and trade policy.


The issue was a “major question” that required clear Congressional approval, which was missing.


As a result, the court blocked enforcement of the tariffs and told Customs to stop collecting them. Tariffs imposed under other laws (like Section 232 on steel) were not affected.


The Trump team plans to appeal the decision.



Bibliography


U.S. Court of International Trade. V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States. May 28, 2025. 


"US trade court says Donald Trump's global tariffs are illegal." Financial Times. May 29, 2025. 


"What happens to Trump's tariffs now that a court has knocked them down?" AP News. May 28, 2025. 


"Trade court strikes down Trump tariffs: What it means for markets - and what's next." MarketWatch. May 28, 2025. 


"Liberation Day tariffs." Wikipedia. Accessed May 29, 2025. 

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