On May 2, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled to block the 10% global tariff that President Donald Trump's administration imposed earlier in 2026. The decision comes amid a dispute over the White House's authority to levy tariffs without congressional approval.
The court found that the 10% tariff, which applied to most imports into the United States, violated trade law because the administration had overstepped its permitted powers. The judges emphasized that blanket tariffs on all trading partners did not fall within the national emergency or national security exceptions allowed by law.
This preliminary ruling marks a major legal setback for President Trump's aggressive trade agenda. The Washington administration has 60 days to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, analysts say the decision could force the White House to adjust its tariff policy or face pressure from major trading partners such as China, the European Union, and Japan.
The 10% global tariff, announced by President Trump in January 2026, raised fears of a broader trade war. Several countries have voiced opposition and begun preparing retaliatory measures. The case has also drawn attention from bipartisan lawmakers, with some calling on Congress to assert its role in tariff decisions.
