The United States Supreme Court has set a critical date for a ruling on tariffs enacted during the presidency of Donald Trump, with a decision expected on January 20, 2026. The case centers on the "Independence Day" tariffs announced on April 2, which imposed additional levies of 10% to 50% on most imports, including specific tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China under the pretext of combating illicit trade.
The legal challenge questions whether President Trump had the authority to impose these tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the president special powers in extraordinary circumstances. During hearings on November 5, Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism about this authority. A ruling against the former president could not only deal a significant blow to a central plank of his economic agenda but also open the door to potential tax refund claims exceeding $130 billion.
The court's schedule indicates that if a decision is not announced on January 20, the process could be extended by at least another month, with the next hearing window not occurring until after February 20. This uncertainty adds a layer of suspense for global markets, including cryptocurrencies. Analysts suggest that the ruling's impact on international trade relations, supply chains, and commodity prices could create market volatility. A decision that upends the tariffs could be seen as a positive signal for global trade and risk assets, potentially benefiting Bitcoin and altcoins.
