Trump explores new tariff mechanism following US Supreme Court ruling

Moscow (ANTARA) - The administration of US President Donald Trump is exploring new mechanisms to continue imposing import tariffs after the US Supreme Court blocked most of the tariffs enacted last week, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday.

According to the report, new tariffs could potentially be imposed on a number of industries including large-scale batteries, cast iron and related fittings, plastic piping, industrial chemicals, as well as electrical grid and telecommunications equipment.

Beyond these sectors, Trump’s team is reportedly considering accelerating the imposition of tariffs in other areas, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, drones, industrial robots, and polysilicon used in solar panels.

The WSJ noted that the tariffs would be imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which grants the US president broader authority to impose import restrictions on national security grounds.

Previously, the US Supreme Court on Friday ruled against the tariff scheme introduced by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Trump condemned the ruling, calling it “ridiculous”, and ordered the imposition of interim tariffs of 10 per cent on all US imports for 150 days. However, a day later, Trump announced an increase in duties to 15 per cent for all countries.