The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs on Friday. But Trump signed an order to impose a new 10 percent global levy.
Trump lashed out at the nation’s highest court over the ruling, saying: “The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing. And I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country.”
In the 6-3 decision, the court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority in invoking a federal emergency law to impose the levies. The law is called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It lets the president regulate imports and exports, after declaring a national emergency, to deal with “any unusual and extraordinary threat.”
The ruling addresses most of Trump’s tariffs. It includes those targeting a wide range of goods from many countries and regions, including Japan. It also covers additional ones imposed on China, Canada and Mexico related to fentanyl.
The court did not rule on duties on automobiles and auto parts, as well as steel and aluminum because they were imposed under separate laws.
The case landed at the Supreme Court after lower courts ruled against the tariffs.
Later in the day, Trump signed an order to impose a new 10 percent global duty under Section 122 of the Trade Act.
The new tariff will take effect on February 24 at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time for a period of 150 days to address fundamental international payments problems.
With an eye to possible long-term tariff measures, Trump ordered the Office of the US Trade Representative to use its Section 301 authority to investigate unfair trade practices by trade partners.
A White House official told NHK that the tariff rate on Japanese automobiles will stay at 15 percent, based on an agreement between the two countries.