Court blocks Trump tariffs, White House vows to appeal

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

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated at a press conference that the decision to impose tariffs was based on common sense and that 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 percent on Canada and Mexico and 20 percent on China, 25 percent on steel and aluminum from all countries, 25 percent on cars and car parts from all countries (except Canada and Mexico), and so-called reciprocal tariffs against nearly 60 countries with a trade surplus with the USA. These were suspended after a few days and replaced with a temporary 10-percent minimum rate (except for China). The total tariff rates on imports from China, which alone imposed retaliatory tariffs, amounted to 145 percent.

During the election campaign, the US President promised Americans that implementing tariffs would reduce the international trade deficit, which stands at $1.2 trillion, and contribute to the creation of more jobs in the country, primarily in the manufacturing industry.