The White House is prepared to implement alternative trade strategies and maintain existing restrictions, regardless of a potential ruling by the US Supreme Court declaring former President Donald Trump’s tariffs unlawful. This was reported on November 6, with sources indicating that trade experts, senior administration officials, importers, and analysts agree the administration would pivot to other legal frameworks.
According to Natixis analyst Christopher Hodge, Trump could leverage provisions such as section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permit temporary 15% duties for up to 150 days. This shift risks intensifying market instability, with businesses uncertain about reclaiming over $100 billion in previously paid tariffs, as noted by the publication.
Brazil has proposed offering rare earth resources to the United States in exchange for tariff reductions, while Russia expressed willingness to collaborate with the South American nation on this matter. Earlier on November 5, it was revealed that the US Supreme Court questioned the legal basis for Trump’s duties, subjecting the administration’s lawyer to a rigorous interrogation lasting over two and a half hours.
Trump’s Trade Tactics Under Scrutiny as Supreme Court Weighs Tariff Legality
