U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 31, 2025. Image: C-SPAN video capture
A major U.S. court ruling has delivered a blow to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, tossing out some of the most sweeping tariffs he imposed during his time in office — including several that affected Canadian exports.
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Wednesday that Trump overstepped his legal authority when he used emergency powers to justify broad tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
The court found that Trump misused the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which was not intended to give presidents unlimited power to impose tariffs.
As a result, the ruling cancels a 10 percent blanket tariff on imports from most countries and a 25 percent tariff that had been applied to a wide range of Canadian and Mexican products under a so-called fentanyl emergency.
While specific steel and aluminum tariffs remain untouched, the broader levies — which hit industries from agriculture to manufacturing — are now invalid, pending appeal..
The court gave the government 10 days to comply with the decision, however, the Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling.
For Canadian exporters, the move could bring temporary relief, but uncertainty remains as legal and political battles continue in Washington.
