Washington, D.C. — The legal battle over President Donald Trump’s tariffs has taken a significant turn as a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that the tariffs can be enforced while lawsuits challenging them move forward. The court’s decision allows the administration’s most substantial tariffs to remain in place, but it expedited the appellate process, setting the stage for a resolution by summer.

This ruling springs from the administration’s appeal against a prior decision by the Court of International Trade, which determined that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing nationwide tariffs under the pretext of a national emergency. The appeals court acknowledged that both sides present compelling arguments and deemed it appropriate to grant a temporary stay on the enforcement of the tariffs.

The court clarified that this stay remains in effect during the appeal process and emphasized the importance of addressing these cases more swiftly. It indicated that the full panel of judges would review the matter on an accelerated timeline.

Legal experts voiced mixed reactions to the ruling. Ilya Somin, a law professor and attorney for the plaintiffs, expressed disappointment but noted that the expedited nature of the review might lead to a quicker resolution than typically expected. He underscored the urgency of clarifying the legal parameters governing the tariffs.

In contrast, the White House hailed the decision as a crucial victory. Spokesman Kush Desai stated that the Trump administration is exercising its constitutional authority to deal with issues like trade deficits and drug trafficking, expressing confidence that they will ultimately prevail in court.

Despite this ruling, the appeal does not affect other sector-specific tariffs previously established by Trump, such as those targeting aluminum and steel imports. These tariffs were enacted under a different section of the Trade Expansion Act, which gives the president broad powers to act on national security concerns.

The administration continues to explore various legal avenues to enforce higher tariffs, including legislation that permits limited tariff increases under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Moreover, Trump has proposed implementing “reciprocal” tariffs and universal import taxes in response to other nations’ actions concerning immigration and drug trafficking.

Economic analysts predict that, absent new tariffs, the effective rate could drop significantly, from approximately 13-14% to around 5%. However, this anticipated decline would still reflect a substantial increase compared to previous years.

The ongoing uncertainty has left businesses and consumers grappling with the implications of rapid changes in trade policy. Trump’s frequent shifts in tariff strategies have resulted in confusion for those attempting to navigate the market landscape. He has urged companies to relocate production to the United States to circumvent tariffs, but such transitions are costly and time-consuming.

As legal proceedings unfold, the broader implications of these tariffs remain uncertain, with industry stakeholders anxiously awaiting a definitive legal ruling. The administration’s approach and its implications for the economy will likely be closely monitored in the weeks to come.