Since his return to office, President Trump has imposed or raised tariffs on goods imported from nearly all major U.S. trading partners. The President claimed he acted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which authorizes the President to protect national security. Multiple plaintiffs challenged the President in court. In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled in a 6-3 decision that “IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.” The decision opens the door for importers who have paid these tariffs to seek refunds.

After the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the IEEPA, President Trump implemented a 15 percent tariff pursuant to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The President has other authorities to impose tariffs delegated by Congress – Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. Therefore, the President is likely to continue to seek to impose, raise or lower tariffs.

Higher tariffs and unpredictable rates have increased costs and uncertainty for businesses, especially for small businesses. It is likely that litigation over tariffs will persist.  Companies will also continue to push for changes to policies or tariff exclusions for products that cannot be produced in the U.S. in sufficient quantity or quality.

While raising tariffs, the President has pursued trade deals to reduce trade deficits, to rebalance trade relationships to be more favorable to the United States, to open new markets for U.S. exporters, and to strengthen geopolitical alliances. Frameworks for deals have been reached with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, India, and Vietnam, among others. Countries have made purchase commitments to the U.S. in areas including agricultural goods, energy, and manufactured products such as commercial aircraft. Some countries have also committed to invest billions in the United States including to develop energy, AI infrastructure, and manufacturing. There will be many outstanding issues as the Trump administration and countries seek to implement the President’s trade deals.

Neil Hill Global helps clients navigate the maze of evolving trade policies and tariffs. We advocate for clients before Congress and federal agencies, developing legislative, regulatory, and political strategies that support their business goals and reduce any potential negative impacts of changing trade policies. 

International Trade

Since his return to office, President Trump has imposed or raised tariffs on goods imported from nearly all major U.S. trading partners. The President claimed he acted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which authorizes the President to protect national security. Multiple plaintiffs challenged the President in court. In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled in a 6-3 decision that “IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.” The decision opens the door for importers who have paid these tariffs to seek refunds.

After the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the IEEPA, President Trump implemented a 15 percent tariff pursuant to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The President has other authorities to impose tariffs delegated by Congress – Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. Therefore, the President is likely to continue to seek to impose, raise or lower tariffs.

Higher tariffs and unpredictable rates have increased costs and uncertainty for businesses, especially for small businesses. It is likely that litigation over tariffs will persist.  Companies will also continue to push for changes to policies or tariff exclusions for products that cannot be produced in the U.S. in sufficient quantity or quality.

While raising tariffs, the President has pursued trade deals to reduce trade deficits, to rebalance trade relationships to be more favorable to the United States, to open new markets for U.S. exporters, and to strengthen geopolitical alliances. Frameworks for deals have been reached with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, India, and Vietnam, among others. Countries have made purchase commitments to the U.S. in areas including agricultural goods, energy, and manufactured products such as commercial aircraft. Some countries have also committed to invest billions in the United States including to develop energy, AI infrastructure, and manufacturing. There will be many outstanding issues as the Trump administration and countries seek to implement the President’s trade deals.

Neil Hill Global helps clients navigate the maze of evolving trade policies and tariffs. We advocate for clients before Congress and federal agencies, developing legislative, regulatory, and political strategies that support their business goals and reduce any potential negative impacts of changing trade policies.