The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down the global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Nigeria and several other countries, ruling that he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
In a 6–3 decision delivered on Friday, the apex court upheld earlier rulings that found Trump had acted beyond the powers granted to him by Congress when he invoked IEEPA to justify sweeping trade tariffs.
The tariffs, introduced last year, were challenged by 12 U.S. states led by Oregon, alongside five American small businesses, at the United States Court of International Trade.
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The lower court ruled against the president, prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court, which ultimately rejected his arguments.
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said the president had claimed “extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope” but failed to cite any statutory provision authorising the use of IEEPA for such action.
“IEEPA does not authorise the president to impose tariffs,” Roberts wrote, emphasizing that the law does not grant open-ended trade powers under the guise of a national emergency.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito dissented from the ruling.
The decision effectively nullifies the tariffs targeting Nigeria and dozens of other countries and reinforces constitutional limits on presidential authority under national emergency laws.
Legal analysts say the ruling marks a significant affirmation of congressional control over trade policy and a major check on executive power.
