The Trump administration faces the potential of returning nearly $100 billion in customs duties, according to analysts, following a court ruling on the legality of tariffs. The US Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s ruling, determining that Trump acted unlawfully by implementing broad import levies without Congressional approval. Although the appeals court voted in favor of the initial judgment, the tariffs remain in effect while the Trump administration appeals to the Supreme Court. These tariffs, first introduced in February, have generated approximately $100 billion in extra customs duties.
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In a recent interview with Fox News, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro sparked controversy by advocating for a 50% tariff on imports from India. Navarro accused India of enabling trade imbalances and geopolitical alliances contrary to U.S. interests, while also criticizing India’s high tariffs. He further stated that “Brahmins” are “profiteering at the expense of the Indian people.” These remarks, echoing previous criticisms of India’s trade practices and relations with Russia, follow Prime Minister Modi’s recent interactions with China’s President Xi Jinping.
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A federal appeals court sided against Donald Trump’s tariff program, declaring the method of implementation unlawful. This ruling, upholding a prior decision, determined Trump violated the law by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act without congressional approval. New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated the court’s decision as a win for American families and businesses, as the tariffs were viewed as massive taxes. Trump’s administration is expected to appeal the case, which is set to take effect in October.
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Peter Navarro’s use of an image of Prime Minister Modi in saffron robes, within a series of critical posts on X, reveals the American tariff war against India extends beyond trade and oil. The image, taken out of context, is seen as an attack on India’s civilisational roots, mirroring narratives in Western media. This action aligns with reports suggesting the tariffs stem from personal grievances, specifically Trump’s resentment over India’s rejection of his false claims of mediating peace. India’s strategic partnership with Russia and its pursuit of technological advancement have also drawn criticism from Navarro, however, the actions of the US government led to these.
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A federal appeals court recently delivered a significant setback to Donald Trump’s tariff agenda. The court ruled that the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs was illegal, as the law doesn’t grant the power to levy taxes. This decision largely affirms an earlier ruling, rejecting the argument that tariff imposition falls within the president’s foreign policy authority. While the court acknowledged the president’s constitutional authority, it emphasized that the power to tax belongs to Congress. The White House has stated that they will continue to work on this matter, with Trump himself criticizing the ruling and predicting the Supreme Court would allow his tariffs.
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President Trump’s tariffs are causing significant disruptions in global shipping, impacting various industries, including the toy sector. Lego has announced it will temporarily halt shipping individual pieces to the United States and Canada through its Pick a Brick program, eliminating access to over 2,500 pieces. This change is a direct result of the new shipping laws and tariffs, which rendered the program unfeasible for the company. While the Bestseller range remains available, this change complicates the process for consumers seeking specific pieces for their builds.
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Friday’s ruling from a federal appeals court further complicated former President Trump’s economic agenda, specifically regarding his imposition of tariffs. The court found Trump lacked the authority to enforce a majority of his broad tariffs on imported goods. This decision constitutes another significant legal hurdle for the trade policies central to his administration’s approach. The ruling directly challenges the president’s power to unilaterally enact such tariffs, impacting trade relationships with numerous nations.
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Due to a rule change implemented by the Trump administration ending the “de minimis” exemption, U.S. shoppers are experiencing cancellation notices on orders from abroad. This change eliminates the duty-free status for items valued under $800, leading postal services in several countries, including Mexico, to suspend deliveries to the United States. E-commerce platforms like Etsy and eBay have warned about shipping disruptions, as foreign postal systems lack the infrastructure to process tariffs, essentially requiring them to act as import tax collectors for the U.S. government. While the administration anticipates increased revenue and benefits, critics argue it will disrupt trade, with some U.S. small businesses potentially facing challenges due to higher shipping costs.
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The U.S. is ending the “de minimis” exemption, which allowed duty-free shipments under $800, leading to widespread cancellation notices for small goods ordered from abroad. Many countries, including several European nations, have suspended U.S.-bound shipments in response. E-commerce platforms like Etsy and eBay have warned of shipping disruptions, and some carriers are contracting with third-party duty processors to maintain deliveries. The change aims to collect billions in revenue, boost U.S. businesses, and restrict illegal goods, but it presents challenges for small businesses and consumers who rely on affordable international shipping.
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The United States has ended the de minimis rule, which previously allowed low-value imported goods to enter duty-free. As of a specific time, all imported goods, regardless of value, are now subject to tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, potentially impacting prices for consumers. Delivery services globally had already begun making adjustments, with some suspending services while others anticipate delays. While this change could increase costs for some shoppers, it could also level the playing field for some American small businesses by reducing the competitive advantage of foreign e-commerce giants who had benefited from the exemption.
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John Q. Hosedrinker