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A US federal judge has blocked President Trump's import tariffs. The Court of International Trade in New York ruled that the president overstepped his authority by imposing high tariffs on various countries worldwide. This decision, announced in early April, triggered a major trade war and caused global stock markets to plummet.
Trump sought to justify the tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency law, claiming it granted him the authority due to the US trade deficit. However, the court disagreed, stating the law only applies in cases of an "extraordinary threat." Since the US has had a trade deficit for 49 years, there is no acute emergency, the judge ruled.
The White House plans to appeal, arguing that "unelected judges" should not decide how to address national emergencies. Legal experts had previously questioned the legality of Trump's approach, emphasizing that Congress, not the president, should decide such far-reaching tariffs.
Many of Trump's announced tariffs were already delayed or reduced due to market turmoil. Last week, he threatened a 50% tariff on EU products, set to take effect this Sunday. The ruling does not affect previously announced tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, or Chinese goods.
