Supreme Court BuildingA Supreme Court ruling could strike down President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, but trade experts say he still has multiple legal tools to keep taxing imports.

If the court rules against the administration’s emergency tariff authority, Trump could rebuild much of his tariff structure through existing authorities. Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act allows tariffs to counter unfair trade practices — a power Trump used extensively against China during the previous term. Section 122 of the same act allows presidents to impose tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days to address trade imbalances, although it has never been used.

Trump also frequently relies on Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act to justify tariffs on national security grounds. This includes metals, autos and even furniture.

Another potential option is Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act. This permits tariffs of up to 50% on discriminatory trading partners — a power no president has used.

While courts may limit his emergency authority, legal experts say Trump retains enough mechanisms to continue reshaping global trade through unilateral tariff policies.

Read more about the Supreme Court weighing in on emergency tariff authority here.