Trump Admin Scrambles to Salvage Tariffs—Appeals Court Asked to Hit Pause on Blockade

Trade wars aren’t easy to win—especially when the courts get in the way. The Trump administration just lobbed a Hail Mary to keep its tariff play alive, begging an appeals court to freeze a ruling that slammed the brakes on its import taxes.

No numbers? No problem. The move reeks of desperation—like a hedge fund doubling down on a sinking position. Because nothing says ’strategic economic policy’ like litigation limbo.

China dispute escalates as U.S. seeks trade concessions

Tensions with China have intensified following new U.S. export restrictions and visa policies. Beijing responded by accusing Washington of breaching the fragile May 12 truce reached after months of tariff battles increases. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said the US undermined the agreement by limiting chip technology access and canceling student visas.

Uncertainty on who’s steering trade policy further clouds the U.S. position. Analysts note an apparent disconnect between the president, his negotiators, and the national security apparatus. “Beyond showing raw power, it’s unclear what the endgame is,” Arthur Kroeber of Gavekal Research said.

Despite the turmoil, the Trump administration continues to press forward with trade talks under a tight, self imposed deadline. Leaked this week, a draft letter from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative asks negotiation partners to submit their best offers by next Wednesday and agreements by early July.

Demands include tariff and quota concessions on US industrial and agricultural goods, digital trade commitments, and new economic security measures. USTR officials said discussions are underway with the European Union, Japan, Vietnam, and India.

Tariff strategy faces political and market pressure

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Sunday that Trump does not intend to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs that were put in place in April to give volatile financial markets a breather. Lutnick said on national television that the president is still committed to high-impact tariffs ranging from 11% to greater than 100%.

U.S. companies and markets are still feeling the effects. The lawsuit was brought by the toy makers Learning Resources Inc. and hand2mind, who say they will battle any further delay in blocking the tariffs. 

Trump’s advisers say multiple deals are close to completion despite legal and diplomatic headwinds. “We could sign lots of agreements right now,” Lutnick said. “But we want better ones—first-class deals for the American worker.”

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