Economy|Business and EconomyUS Supreme Court expected to rule on tariffs on FridayBoth conservative and liberal justices voiced concerns about the legality of the tariffs during oral arguments in November.

The United States Supreme Court is anticipated to deliver a verdict on the legality of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The court has scheduled a non-argument conference date, suggesting a potential forthcoming decision. However, specific rulings are not announced in advance.

The challenge to these tariffs is a key case that could have significant implications for the global economy. Recent data indicate mixed economic impacts: the US GDP grew by 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025, while job growth in sectors affected by tariffs has been stagnant.

President Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in February 2025 to impose tariffs on goods from specific countries, citing a national emergency due to trade deficits. Legal challenges began in November, with skepticism from both liberal and some conservative justices regarding the legality of utilizing this 1977 act for such purposes.

Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed concern about the delegation of power to the president, while Chief Justice John Roberts highlighted Congress's traditional role in imposing tariffs and taxes. The IEEPA grants the executive branch broad economic authority during national emergencies, but lower courts, including the Court of International Trade and a Washington, DC, appeals court, found the administration exceeded its authority.

If the Supreme Court upholds the lower courts' rulings, the US government may need to reimburse tariffs deemed illegally imposed. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent previously indicated that approximately half of the tariffs might need to be refunded. The administration has stated it will seek alternative statutes to implement tariffs if the Supreme Court does not rule in its favor.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.