This Friday, January 9, 2026, the United States Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of the tariffs imposed worldwide by Donald Trump through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. At stake are more than $133 billion. This decision will also determine whether President Trump can bypass Congressional approval to impose his sweeping trade policy.

"One of the most important decisions in the history of the United States," according to Donald Trump...

Most experts believe the Court will rule these tariffs illegal. An invalidation would mean that the federal government could have to reimburse more than $133 billion to American importers. Such reimbursement would create a significant and unforeseen deficit. However, a legal defeat would not necessarily mark the end of the trade war. Donald Trump could use other means, such as national security investigations, to reintroduce these tariffs in another form.

If the Supreme Court justices uphold the use of the IEEPA, the legal challenge will continue, but at a different level. More than 1,000 companies, including major corporations, are already involved in lawsuits in lower courts. Their strategy is to challenge the government's technical interpretation of the law and to preserve their rights to future compensation. They cite the reduction in the competitiveness of American companies, higher prices for consumers, and the destabilization of North American trade.

Even if the White House wins its legal victory, economic actors are raising concerns about the competitiveness of American companies, higher prices for consumers, and the destabilization of North American trade.

SL/ HaitiLibre