Washington, D.C. — An appeals court has declared that many of the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are illegal, although it has postponed enforcement of this decision until mid-October, anticipating an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s ruling primarily addresses the “reciprocal” tariffs Trump’s administration enacted in April, along with additional tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico that were justified under emergency powers from a law enacted in the 1970s. This decision does not affect tariffs authorized under different statutes, such as those levied on imported steel and aluminum.

This latest ruling represents a significant setback for Trump’s economic strategy, which has focused on utilizing tariffs as a tool for rebalancing international trade. The president has long claimed that these tariffs, the highest seen in the U.S. since the 1930s, are essential for protecting American interests.

In a split decision of 7 to 4, the appeals court determined that Trump had exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these tariffs. The law allows the president to respond to “unusual and extraordinary” threats during national emergencies but does not grant the authority to impose such extensive tariffs. The court stated, “None of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax.”

Trump’s tariffs, which range from 15% on imports from the European Union to as high as 50% on certain goods from India, have faced mounting criticism. Many economists warn that these tariffs could harm U.S. businesses and consumers, who might bear the financial burden caused by rising prices. Some data suggests that inflation has begun to tighten its grip on the economy, though the full repercussions of the tariffs are still unfolding.

Legal challenges to the tariffs have multiplied, with one notable case led by a coalition of states opposing their implementation. The recent decision from the Washington court follows a prior ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade that also deemed the tariffs illegal, citing Trump’s overreach of executive authority.

In response to the latest ruling, Trump expressed alarm, stating that if the decision is upheld, it would “literally destroy the United States of America.” Meanwhile, the White House remains optimistic, believing that the ruling could be reversed by the nation’s highest court. As legal battles over tariffs continue to unfold, their impact on the global economy and everyday American life remains a critical concern.