US court ruling defeats Trump’s tariffs

THE US federal appeals court ruling that declared most of Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal marks a watershed moment in global trade politics. By curtailing the executive’s ability to levy unilateral duties under emergency powers, the court has reaffirmed a foundational principle: trade policy is the prerogative of Congress, not a tool to be wielded at will by the White House. For India, the implications are profound. Trump’s aggressive tariff regime, which slapped punitive duties of up to 50 per cent on Indian exports, had threatened to derail a steadily growing bilateral trade relationship. From textiles to engineering goods, Indian exporters were squeezed by rising costs and shrinking margins. The court’s decision, if upheld by the US Supreme Court, could open the door to tariff rollbacks and even refunds, offering a lifeline to thousands of Indian businesses struggling to stay competitive in the American market.