For subscribers

Are Trump tariffs legal? Sceptical US Supreme Court hears case with implications for Singapore

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox

Activists rally outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on Nov 5.

Activists rallying outside the US Supreme Court in Washington on Nov 5.

PHOTO: AFP

Follow topic:
  • The US Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Trump's tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were lawful, questioning their basis and scope.
  • Arguments focused on whether IEEPA allows the President to impose broad tariffs, with justices debating if tariffs are a form of tax that only Congress can levy.
  • The ruling, expected next month, could significantly impact US trade, potentially lowering tariff rates and raising the possibility of US$100 billion in refunds.

AI generated

- Spain, France, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil and China came up for a mention in the three-hour debate in the United States Supreme Court about President Donald Trump’s favourite instrument for all seasons – tariffs. 

Singapore was not named, but some parallels were striking as the nation’s highest court deliberated on Nov 5 whether Mr Trump has the authority to impose sweeping tariffs on every US trading partner under a law that was designed for use during a national emergency.

See more on