US Court blocks Trump's contentious tariffs in landmark ruling

The United States Court of International Trade ruled on Wednesday that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing additional tariffs, while such power rests solely with Congress. This decision blocks both the implementation of tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China, whom the US authorities accuse of insufficient efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling, and the "reciprocal" tariffs introduced in early April.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference that the foundation for the decision to impose tariffs was common sense, and the Court of International Trade exceeded its competencies.

The White House conveyed on platform X its belief that the court’s decision will be reversed during the appeals process. Leavitt emphasized that it is time for the Supreme Court to bring the matter to a close.

Within three months of his presidency, Trump announced four rounds of tariffs: 25 per cent on Canada and Mexico and 20 per cent on China, 25 per cent on steel and aluminium from all countries, 25 per cent on cars and car parts from all countries (except Canada and Mexico), and also so-called reciprocal tariffs against nearly 60 countries with a trade surplus with the USA, which were suspended after a few days and replaced with a temporary 10 per cent minimum rate (except for China). The total tariff rates on imports from China, which alone imposed retaliatory tariffs, amounted to 145 per cent.

During the election campaign, the US President promised Americans that the implementation of tariffs would reduce the international trade deficit, which stands at £980 billion, and contribute to the creation of more jobs in the country, primarily in the manufacturing industry.