Trump Administration Plans Backup Strategy maintain tariffs as U.S. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of U.S. ongoing to stop President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy, mentioning that the administration’s trade approach will run at same way despite staying legal challenges. Officials said that, there are alternative legal pathways are ready to keep the tariffs intact even if the court eventually exclude Trump’s use of emergency powers,

The case mainly  focus on whether Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when giving  wide-ranging tariffs on imports. Lower courts had previously ruled that the law was never intended for general trade actions. However, The administration is “fully prepared” to use other laws to maintain tariff pressure if necessary  told by  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. 

“These measures are about protecting American industry and jobs,” Bessent said. Even we have multiple legal foundations to continue, if the IEEPA basis is removed.

Among the backup options are Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary tariffs up to 15 percent for 150 days, and Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which can authorize tariffs up to 50 percent in response to unfair foreign trade practices.

The tariffs, many of which target Chinese and Southeast Asian imports, have already added inflationary pressure in the United States. Analysts estimate they increased consumer prices by about 0.4 percentage points this year.

 Groups of business  have shown  worry about the long-term costs. Manufacturing executive in Ohio said that, even  short-term tariffs also  affect supply chains and profits he also added that companies are being forced to think again  where they buy and build.

However , foreign governments are conclude with  Washington to honor trade agreements signed under previous administrations. In response, officials in the Trump administration reported  that countries benefiting from lower duties “must respect their deals” or face renewed tariffs.

If the Supreme Court eventually rules that IEEPA was misused, Washington could face demands to refund billions of dollars collected from importers. Economists warn such a decision would create administrative chaos at U.S. Customs and disrupt trade flows.

Despite the legal uncertainty, investors and policymakers alike believe tariffs are likely to remain a key instrument of American trade policy well into 2026.