The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, ruling that the measures which affected Nigeria and over 180 other countries were imposed unlawfully under emergency powers.
In a 6–3 decision, the court held that Trump exceeded his constitutional authority when he relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to introduce broad import duties. The tariffs, introduced as part of his aggressive trade agenda, placed a baseline levy on most foreign goods entering the United States, with higher “reciprocal” rates on countries the administration accused of unfair trade practices.
The justices ruled that while the president may regulate aspects of international commerce during national emergencies, the Constitution clearly grants Congress not the executive the power to impose taxes and tariffs. The majority opinion emphasized that when Congress intends to give a president tariff authority, it does so explicitly and with defined limits, which was not the case under the law Trump invoked.
The tariffs had drawn global criticism since their introduction, with economists warning they could trigger retaliatory trade measures, raise consumer prices in the United States, and strain diplomatic relations. Countries like Nigeria, whose exports to the U.S. were affected, faced uncertainty over trade costs and market access during the policy’s enforcement.
Following the ruling, Trump reportedly criticized the decision, calling it disappointing and suggesting his administration would explore alternative legal avenues to reintroduce trade protections under different statutes.
The judgment is being seen as a significant constitutional moment, reinforcing limits on executive authority in economic policymaking. It also opens fresh questions about whether businesses that paid billions under the now-invalidated tariffs could seek refunds, a development that may trigger further legal battles.
For Nigeria and other affected nations, the ruling potentially resets trade dynamics with the United States, easing tariff burdens and restoring a measure of predictability in cross-border commerce.
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