BREAKING: Supreme Court Overturns Reciprocal Tariffs
BREAKING: Supreme Court Overturns Reciprocal Tariffs
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a significant decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, deciding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs under a declared national emergency.
The Court concluded that while IEEPA permits the Executive Branch to regulate certain economic transactions, it does not clearly delegate Congress’s constitutional authority to levy duties or taxes. As a result, tariffs imposed pursuant to IEEPA lack statutory authority absent explicit congressional authorization. Questions remain about what this will mean related to refunds of tariffs that were previously collected.
The Trump Administration is expected to impose alternative tariff actions in the absence of IEEPA tariffs.
ASTA is closely reviewing the opinion and assessing potential impacts on current and future tariff measures affecting the spice trade. We will make additional resources available, including memos and education for members soon.
Related Resources
ASTA Letter to Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative Requesting Consideration of Spices in Trade Policy
On August 12, 2025, ASTA sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative asking that consideration be extended to agricultural commodities, such as spices, that cannot be grown in the United State as trade policy advances, including ongoing bilateral negotiations.
ASTA Statement on Reciprocal Tariffs and Trade Policy
The following statement is attributable to Laura Shumow, Executive Director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA):
