Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against some of President Trump's tariffs, but his administration is ready with backup plans to maintain them. Officials have identified several trade laws that can be used to impose tariffs, even though some options involve legal risks or require investigations.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's tariffs but did not remove his ability to impose new ones.
- The administration has at least four alternative legal paths to impose tariffs.
- Section 301 allows tariffs after an investigation of unfair trade practices; Trump used it during his first term.
- Section 122 permits tariffs up to 15% with limited procedures, but they expire after 150 days.
- Section 232 allows tariffs on national security grounds but needs a Commerce Department investigation.
- Section 338 permits tariffs up to 50% on countries discriminating against U.S. commerce but is legally untested.
- The Supreme Court's decision creates a $2 trillion impact on national debt, according to some analysts.
