Overview

• The 7–4 federal appeals decision leaves the tariffs in force under a stay until Oct. 14 as the White House prepares its appeal, with President Trump condemning the ruling.
• Judges found the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not clearly authorize tariffs, siding with lawsuits from 12 states and five small firms, including importer Victor Schwartz.
• New U.S. duties on low‑value postal packages took effect Aug. 29 with a narrow gift exemption under $100 and a six‑month option to pay fixed fees of $80–$200, prompting temporary shipment pauses by Correos de México and many other operators.
• If the decision is ultimately upheld, the government could face billions in refunds after tariff receipts reported around $150 billion since spring.
• The ruling injects uncertainty into recent reciprocal tariff understandings with partners such as the EU, while sector‑specific levies under other statutes remain unaffected.