President Donald Trump. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

The US Court of International Trade has ruled the Trump administration’s attempts to impose global tariffs are illegal.

In a ruling filed yesterday (28 May), the federal court concluded that tariffs imposed by President Trump using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) “exceed any authority granted to the President”.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

In a follow-up statement, the court added that the tariffs are therefore “invalid and cannot be implemented”.

New York State attorney general Laetitia James was part of the coalition of 11 other attorneys who sued the Trump administration over imposing the worldwide tariffs.

James said in the statement: “The law is clear: no president has the power to single-handedly raise taxes whenever they like. These tariffs are a massive tax hike on working families and American businesses that would have led to more inflation, economic damage to businesses of all sizes, and job losses across the country if allowed to continue.

“This decision is a major victory for our efforts to uphold the law and protect New Yorkers from illegal policies that threaten American jobs and economy.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Judges ruled that the law does not authorise any of the tariffs imposed through the IEEPA, and the administration’s attempt to do so was “invalid as contrary to law”.

These include the tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico and Europe, which range from 10%-30%.

Tariffs implemented on cars, steel and aluminum, however, were not included in the ruling, as these fall under a separate law, according to the BBC, which said the Trump administration has appealed the ruling.

The Trump administration has 10 days to reverse the tariffs, the BBC said, although the majority have been paused until July.

Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis.

Request a free demo for GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence here.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now