WASHINGTON (Enmaeya News) — September 18, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on November 5 over the legality of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, a case that could reshape presidential powers and U.S. trade policy.

The tariffs, which remain in effect during the appeal, have pushed the average U.S. tariff rate to 16.3%.

A defeat for the administration could at least halve that rate and potentially require Washington to refund tens of billions of dollars collected from importers, according to Bloomberg Economics.

Trump imposed the measures under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law typically used to freeze assets or block financial transactions in emergencies.

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled last month by 7–4 that the law does not explicitly authorize tariffs, duties, or taxes.

Despite that ruling, the Supreme Court has granted the administration 18 consecutive requests for emergency relief, allowing the tariffs to stay in place until the justices decide.

The upcoming hearing will not only determine the scope of Trump’s trade authority but will also set a precedent for how far future presidents can stretch emergency powers into economic policy.