U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has asked the U.S. Court of International Trade to stay a ruling that declared new global tariffs illegal, so that importers continue to pay duties during the appeals process. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
Last week, a federal trade court ruled that Trump's use of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose 10% global tariffs was illegal. At the same time, the court temporarily blocked the duties only for two plaintiff companies and the state of Washington.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that if the ruling takes effect more broadly, the judicial system could be overwhelmed by thousands of lawsuits from importers who are already paying the new duties. The government also warned that this could "seriously undermine" Trump's trade policy.
Government ready to appeal to the Supreme Court
The administration's appeal is already being considered by the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals. In the event of another rejection, the White House is prepared to file an emergency motion with the Supreme Court.
Trump administration appealed court ruling on illegality of tariffs09.05.26, 08:51
Judges previously also struck down another package of Trump's global tariffs that was introduced via the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Because of this, a process is already underway in the U.S. to refund part of the funds to companies that paid those duties.
According to the U.S. government, since February, more than 170,000 importers have made payments under the new tariffs on 13 million items. In March alone, U.S. Customs collected about $8 billion in tariffs imposed under Section 122.
White House calls tariffs critically important
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the court that the new tariffs remain "critically important" for maintaining negotiating leverage over Washington's trading partners.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, for his part, stated that the tariffs help curb a surge in imports and support the Trump administration's economic policy amid U.S. trade balance concerns.
Trump stated he will raise tariffs on cars from the EU to 25%01.05.26, 19:35