A federal appeals court on Thursday agreed to temporarily stop a lower court's decision that struck down most of President Donald Trump's “Liberation Day” tariffs.The White House had told the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that it would ask the Supreme Court for "emergency help" as early as Friday if the tariff ruling was not put on hold.A three judge panel granted the administration’s request for an emergency stay. The ruling means the contested tariffs, covering goods from virtually every major trading partner, including China, Mexico, and Canada, would remain in place while the case proceeds.The Court of International Trade ruled the president overreached by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the tariffs, saying only Congress can regulate foreign commerce. By overturning that result, at least for now, the appeals court has given Trump the ability to continue the tariffs..Both sides must file written briefs early next month. Should the panel eventually side with importers, the government plans to go to the US Supreme Court. The Justice Department argues lifting the tariffs would cause “irreparable harm” to national security and the economy.Not all duties are affected. Tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and parts, imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, were never part of the lower court ban and remain enforced..Business groups say the legal limbo is causing confusion between trading nations. Some companies have delayed sourcing decisions, while others increase prices. Trading partners are equally wary, with several hinting at retaliatory measures if the tariffs continue.For now, the tariffs stay, the court battle deepens, and traders everywhere await what’s next. The result could reshape US trade policy or reinforce a presidential power critics call unchecked.
