US Appeals Court Declares Trump-Era Tariffs Illegal, Appeal Expected
Court Ruling Overview
On August 29, 2025, a United States appeals court determined that most of the trade tariffs enacted by former President Donald Trump were unlawful. Despite this ruling, the tariffs are expected to remain in place temporarily pending further legal review.
The court’s decision followed years of disputes involving tariffs imposed on imports from China and other countries, which were initially justified on national security and economic protection grounds.
Background and Impact
Trump’s administration introduced the tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act, targeting hundreds of billions of dollars in goods. These measures provoked retaliatory tariffs from affected nations and reshaped global trade relations during and after his presidency.
Critics argued that the tariffs violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and unfairly burdened American consumers through higher prices. Supporters contended they were necessary to counter China’s alleged unfair trade practices and protect domestic industries.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
The court found insufficient evidence supporting the legal basis for large portions of the tariffs, deeming them inconsistent with statutory authority. The ruling allows affected businesses to seek refunds for excess duties paid.
A federal government representative indicated that an appeal is likely, seeking a Supreme Court review to determine whether executive power allows such trade measures under national security justifications.
“This case underscores the enduring tension between presidential authority and trade law limitations,” commented a trade law expert from Georgetown University.
Global and Domestic Response
The decision drew mixed reactions from industry leaders. Some welcomed the potential rollback as a relief for global supply chains, while others cautioned that sudden policy changes could create uncertainty for U.S. manufacturers still adjusting to post-tariff conditions.
China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement reaffirming its position that the tariffs were “a violation of fair trade principles” and called for their complete removal.
Author’s summary: The U.S. appeals court ruling against Trump-era tariffs exposes the limits of presidential trade powers and may reshape future trade law interpretations.
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