Trump Tariffs Face High-Stakes US Court Showdown

Donald Trump's latest trade strategy hinges on provisional agreements with global partners, setting tariff rates between 10% and 20% for cooperative nations. Yet, the lack of binding texts has left interpretations murky, unsettling importers facing potential "bespoke" tariffs as high as 50%. The EU, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam remain in tentative negotiations, with only Indonesia and the UK making partial progress on technical details.

Sector-specific tariffs are exacerbating tensions. A proposed 100% levy on semiconductor imports drew immediate pushback from EU and South Korean officials claiming exemptions. Pharmaceuticals and autos are equally contentious, with triple-digit tariff threats looming and auto rates fluctuating between 15% and 25% based on national security designations. Japan's urgent lobbying in Washington has yet to yield concrete changes.