What happened: In a 6-3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court ruled that Trump overstepped his authority by using emergency powers to impose broad reciprocal tariffs on countries worldwide. The ruling invalidates a key mechanism Trump used to reshape trade relationships and generate billions in tariff revenues. The court did not settle whether companies that paid the levies are entitled to refunds, leaving lower courts to address repayments. Trump’s tariff escalation contributed to global market volatility and raised fears of a slowdown in China. At the same time, trade tensions created openings for some countries, including Egypt and Morocco, to position themselves as alternative manufacturing hubs.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 21, 2026 05:03 UTC