February 20, 2026

Supreme Court Rules Against Emergency Tariffs and Administration Responds

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Supreme Court Rules Against Emergency Tariffs and Administration Responds

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in a 6-3 decision that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. The Court found that the statute does not authorize the president to impose broad import tariffs without clear congressional approval. (PolitiFact)

This decision invalidates the tariffs imposed under that emergency authority. Because the decision was issued today, implementation details and next steps are still developing.

Below is a clear summary of the ruling, what it means now, and recent comments from the administration.

What the Court Decided

The Supreme Court held that IEEPA, a 1977 law intended to allow executive action in response to certain emergencies, does not grant authority to impose broad tariffs on imports. Tariffs are a form of taxation, and the Constitution places the authority to levy taxes and duties with Congress unless it clearly delegates that power. (PolitiFact)

As a result:

The tariffs imposed under IEEPA are no longer valid under that authority.
Agencies must stop collecting those specific tariffs.
The ruling does not automatically remove tariffs imposed under other trade statutes.

This ruling applies only to the emergency tariff authority at issue in the case. Other trade duties under different laws may remain in effect.

Administration Response

Shortly after the Supreme Court issued its ruling, the administration announced plans to pursue alternative tariff authorities now that the IEEPA-based tariffs are invalidated.

The administration stated it will sign an executive order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary tariffs and limits them to 150 days unless extended legislatively. (AP News)

Officials also said they are exploring other statutory avenues, such as national security and unfair trade laws, to maintain or adjust tariff measures. (AP News)

The administration characterized these alternatives as having a longer procedural process than the emergency authority previously used.

What This Means for Business

1. Invalidated Tariffs Under IEEPA

Import duties that were assessed under IEEPA can no longer be collected under that specific authority. Businesses that relied on those tariff structures may see changes in how duties are applied as new guidance emerges.

2. Refunds Have Not Been Defined

A major issue still unresolved is whether businesses that previously paid these invalidated tariffs will receive refunds or credits. No automatic refund process has been announced, and administrative procedures have not yet been published. It is possible that any refund mechanism will require formal filings or review processes.

3. Some Tariffs May Still Remain

The Supreme Court’s decision does not automatically eliminate tariffs imposed through other legal authorities. Duties enacted under statutes such as national security or trade enforcement laws may continue for now. Businesses should review which tariffs apply to their imports before assuming broader changes.

Additional Context: Other Trade Authorities Still Exist

Even though the emergency tariff authority was invalidated, other federal laws can be used to impose tariffs under specific conditions:

Section 301 of the Trade Act allows tariffs in response to unfair trade practices after a formal investigation.
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act permits tariffs tied to national security findings.
Section 122 of the Trade Act allows temporary import duties under certain economic conditions.

Each of these authorities has its own requirements and limitations. They do not replace the emergency tariff authority but remain part of the broader statutory framework that governs U.S. trade policy.

Practical Considerations

Because this decision was issued today, additional implementation guidance is expected.

In the interim, businesses may consider:

Reviewing recent import entries and tariff classifications
Identifying tariff payments made under the emergency authority
Monitoring announcements from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies
Avoiding assumptions until formal procedures are released

This is a developing situation. Business owners should monitor official guidance as it becomes available, as this will provide clarity on tariff application and any possible refund procedures.

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Supreme Court Rules Against Emergency Tariffs and Administration Responds

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