Overview

• Justice Department filings ask the justices to take the case by next week and hold oral arguments in early November, according to Solicitor General D. John Sauer.
• A 7–4 Federal Circuit ruling found most IEEPA-based tariffs unlawful but stayed its decision, keeping the contested duties in force at least until Oct. 14.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says legal uncertainty is damaging sensitive trade negotiations, and President Trump warns preliminary deals could be unwound if the tariffs fall.
• Tariff collections have reached roughly $159 billion by late August, raising the prospect of large refund claims if the courts ultimately invalidate the duties.
• The case targets Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ and fentanyl-related tariffs under IEEPA, while sector-specific levies such as steel, aluminum and autos under other statutes are not at issue, with challengers including small importers and 12 states.