By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 20 struck down a broad swath of tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.

In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled the president does not have the authority to unilaterally levy tariffs on imported goods under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The justices said that Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs.

“IEEPA gives the president significant authority over transactions involving foreign property, including the importation of goods. But in that generous delegation, one power is conspicuously missing,” said the decision. “Nothing in IEEPA’s text, nor anything in its context, enables the president to unilaterally impose tariffs. And needless to say, without statutory authority, the president’s tariffs cannot stand.”

The ruling adds uncertainty for agriculture.

“We urge the administration to work swiftly to find other ways to resolve trade disputes and finalize recently announced trade frameworks,” American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall said. “With supply costs already at or near record highs, we strongly encourage the president to avoid using any other available authorities to impose tariffs on agricultural inputs that would further increase costs. America’s farmers and ranchers need stability to ensure families across America can put food on their tables.”

Not all tariffs from the Trump administration are affected by the ruling.

Tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act—used to address national security concerns—and those implemented under Section 301 of the Trade Act, primarily targeting China, are based on different legal authorities. As a result, they remain in place unless they are separately challenged in court.

Duvall said farmers and ranchers appreciate the president responding to market disruptions by delivering financial assistance, but that “open and fair markets are critical to help rebuild the farm economy.”

He added that farmers understand the broader intent behind trade policy but have borne the weight of market instability.

“America’s farmers understand the president’s efforts to use tariffs to create a more level playing field for U.S. goods, U.S. workers and the U.S. economy,” Duvall said. “Unfortunately, trade disruptions and declining prices for agricultural goods created additional hardships for farmers who came into 2025 already dealing with crippling inflation and declining farm prices.”

The decision now heads to the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Following the ruling, Trump said he will raise a temporary tariff under Section 122 from 10% to 15% on U.S. imports from all countries, the maximum level allowed under the law.