However, the ruling does not affect tariffs that the US government imposed on specific products. These were made on a different legal basis. The EU currently has export tariffs of 50 percent on steel and aluminum. These taxes remain in effect.
At least the US President will have to find other ways to impose tariffs in the future. The court did not decide that, in principle, tariffs can no longer be imposed against other countries. Members of the US government had already announced in advance that the tariffs could also be enforced in other ways.
It would currently be entirely possible for Trump to receive approval from Congress: Trump’s Republican Party has a majority in both chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Trump said at a press conference in Washington that he could get approval, but preferred other ways.
The president was visibly angry about the court’s decision at a press conference. Trump said on Friday afternoon in the White House that he was ashamed of certain members of the Supreme Court. Trump also accused the judges of being influenced by “foreign interests” in their decision.
Trump did not explain who or what he meant exactly. But answers will be provided soon. The president also insulted those who would influence the judges as “real slimes.”
The president also said that he had been very moderate so far. However, the ruling has now made it clear to him what specific options he has to impose tariffs. Trump also assumes that he has options with which the USA can make even more money.
The President named three alternatives on Friday: Among other things, he can impose tariffs on countries if it has previously been determined that the other country is using unfair trade practices. Trump had already imposed tariffs on China in this way during his first term in office.
Trump can also impose tariffs in the interests of national security. However, this must subsequently be confirmed by an investigation by the Ministry of Commerce. Tariffs have already been imposed in this way too. Trump emphasized that the corresponding tariffs will continue to apply even after the ruling.
