ASIATODAY.ID, BEIJING – China has urged the United States to immediately revoke all unilateral tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that most of the measures exceeded presidential authority.
The call came from China’s Ministry of Commerce on Monday, following a landmark decision that invalidated the bulk of tariffs introduced last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977.
Court Ruling Shakes the Foundations of the Trade War
Last year, Trump imposed tariffs on numerous trading partners, accusing them of unfair trade practices. Most countries were subjected to a universal 10% baseline tariff, with additional surcharges targeting nations with significant trade surpluses with the US.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that the president lacked the authority to impose such tariffs under the IEEPA framework. The decision effectively nullified most of the trade measures that had become central to Washington’s global economic strategy.
In an official statement, Beijing argued that the tariffs now violate not only international trade rules but also US domestic law.
“China has consistently opposed all forms of unilateral tariff increases and has repeatedly emphasized that there are no winners in a trade war,” the ministry said.
“The US should immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures.”
US–China Tariff War: From 145% to a Fragile Truce
Trade tensions between the US and China have simmered for years, particularly across technology and strategic manufacturing sectors. At their peak, US tariffs on Chinese goods reportedly reached 145%, while Beijing’s retaliatory duties on American products climbed to 125%.
In November, both sides agreed to a one-year pause in further escalation, cutting tariffs in certain sectors back to around 10%.
Analysts suggest the Supreme Court’s ruling could strengthen Beijing’s negotiating leverage ahead of a comprehensive trade deal expected to be discussed during Trump’s planned state visit to Beijing in late March.
Trump Responds With New 15% Global Tariff
Rather than retreat, Trump reacted swiftly by signing a new executive order imposing a temporary 15% global tariff under a different legal authority. The administration is also preparing alternative legal pathways, including investigations into what it describes as “unfair trade practices” by major partners.
US trade officials have stated that countries which reached agreements under tariff pressure — including the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the European Union — are expected to honour their commitments despite the court’s ruling.
Global Reaction: Fresh Uncertainty
The European Commission has demanded “full clarity” from Washington regarding its next steps and stressed the importance of upholding the 2025 tariff agreement. India has reportedly delayed sending a trade delegation to Washington, citing “fresh uncertainty” following the court decision and Trump’s strong response.
With the legal landscape shifting and geopolitical tensions still high, the US–China trade dispute appears to be entering a new and unpredictable phase.
The key question remains: will Washington fully dismantle the tariffs — or seek new legal mechanisms to maintain economic pressure on Beijing? (RT)
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