The United States Customs and Border Protection will halt the collection of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act from tomorrow, following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States.
On Friday, the court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, originally introduced in February 2025 under a declared national emergency. The ruling potentially exposes billions of dollars in Treasury revenue to refund claims. However, it does not affect other tariffs implemented under national security and unfair trade practice laws.
In response, Trump moved swiftly to impose a new 15% global tariff under a different legal authority, replacing the previously proposed 10% rate. The measure will apply for several months pending congressional approval.
Distinguished Professor at the University of Johannesburg, Patrick Bond, said the president’s reaction was predictable. “This is the sort of thing where you’d expect Donald Trump not to back his arguments with reason,” Bond said. He noted that the 6–3 judgment included support from two justices appointed by Trump, as well as Chief Justice of the US, John Roberts.
Bond explained that the administration quickly shifted strategy. “Well, we can just raise that to 15% for at least the next four months or so,” he said, adding that Congress will now have to consider its constitutional role in regulating trade and imposing tariffs.
However, Bond cautioned that securing approval in the Senate may prove difficult, given the requirement for 60 votes. “Let’s see what happens in about five months when Congress takes it up,” he said.
The ruling marks a significant legal and political setback for Trump’s trade agenda, while setting the stage for a new battle in Congress over the future of US tariff policy.
Listen to the full interview below:
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