The U.S. Supreme Court made a significant 6-3 decision on Friday, overturning President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This ruling sparked various reactions across the maritime sector as ports, carriers, and logistics providers brace for both relief and new uncertainties.
In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that the IEEPA does not give the president the power to impose tariffs, highlighting that the Constitution assigns the authority to levy taxes and duties solely to Congress. This ruling raises questions about approximately $175 billion in tariffs collected during Trump’s presidency and has led to immediate calls for quick refunds for importers.
Ports Prepare Amidst Uncertainty
Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, noted that the ruling affects about two-thirds of the tariffs collected so far, but he cautioned that uncertainty still lingers. “There is no clear information yet on whether there will be refunds from the U.S. Treasury Department for tariffs that have already been paid,” said Seroka. “Additionally, the administration has already announced a new 10% global tariff following the ruling, with no details on when it will start.”
The timing complicates matters since the ruling arrives during the Lunar New Year, when most factories in China and Asia are closed and expected to reopen next week. Nonetheless, Seroka stressed their readiness: “The Port of Los Angeles and its supply chain partners are prepared to handle any cargo fluctuations and swiftly move it through the system.”
Craig Fuller, CEO and Founder of FreightWaves, predicted dramatic effects on the market. “There’s going to be a major surge in imports, turning the global freight market upside down,” Fuller said. “The ports have been quiet, but that’s about to change. Cross-border shipping is set to get hectic.”
Experts Caution About Continued Uncertainty
While the ruling clarifies the legal scope of presidential powers, industry experts warn that the future remains uncertain. Jonathan Todd, vice-chair of the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group at Benesch, pointed out that the decision does not remove exposure to other tariffs. “Only the IEEPA-based tariffs are impacted. Tariffs from Section 232, Section 301, anti-dumping, and countervailing duties still apply,” Todd explained.
Regarding refunds, Todd mentioned significant unknowns ahead. “We’re looking at potentially $130 to $170 billion in duties collected under IEEPA. How and when refunds will occur is now in the hands of the Court of International Trade and Customs and Border Protection, making the process potentially complicated.”
Andrei Quinn-Barabanov, head of Moody’s Supply Chain Industry Practice, warned that the administration might change strategies. “After the Supreme Court ruling against country-based tariffs, the administration could impose new commodity-based tariffs. This could lead to another round of exemption requests and international negotiations, prolonging tariff rate uncertainty and creating sourcing issues into 2026.”
Business Groups Demand Quick Action
Trump's IEEPA tariffs caused major disruptions in global supply chains throughout 2025. Fluctuating tariff rates (ranging from 25% to 170% and back to 55%) made decision-making nearly impossible and led to “sourcing paralysis,” straining supplier relationships. Ports and logistics providers experienced ongoing uncertainty that impacted import planning all year long.
The National Retail Federation welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling, urging for prompt refunds. “The Supreme Court's ruling today provides essential clarity for U.S. businesses and manufacturers,” said David French, Executive Vice President of Government Relations. “We call on the lower court to ensure a smooth refund process for U.S. importers.”
Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments. “Quick refunds for the unlawful tariffs are vital for over 200,000 small business importers in this country and will support stronger economic growth this year.”
The small business coalition We Pay the Tariffs launched a national petition campaign requesting “full, fast, and automatic” refunds. Executive Director Dan Anthony warned that bureaucratic delays could be detrimental. “Small businesses can’t afford to wait months or years due to bureaucratic hold-ups, nor can they spend on costly litigation to recover money unlawfully taken from them.”
Global Reactions
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, voiced concerns that the ruling may not offer real relief. “While this decision clarifies the President’s power to raise tariffs, it doesn’t really clear the way for businesses,” Bain remarked, noting that Trump might explore other legal options, including the 1974 Trade Act, which could allow even higher tariffs.
Trump Plans to Continue Tariff Strategy
In response, President Trump quickly announced a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, activating Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits tariffs up to 15% for 150 days to handle balance-of-payments issues, though extensions require Congressional approval. Trump also signaled intentions to revive Section 301 investigations into unfair trade practices.
Initially, markets reacted positively to the ruling before stabilizing at a modest increase, as analysts cautioned that renewed legal battles might extend trade uncertainty for the maritime supply chain.