Trump Eyes New Industry-Specific Tariffs Following High Court Setback

The Trump administration is exploring fresh national security-based tariffs targeting six specific industries after the Supreme Court invalidated his broader second-term trade levies last week. The proposed tariffs would affect sectors including batteries, industrial chemicals, and telecommunications equipment, separate from the 15% global tariff already announced.

The Trump administration is exploring additional national security-based tariffs targeting approximately six specific industries following last week’s Supreme Court decision that struck down many of the president’s broader second-term trade levies, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday.

These proposed tariffs would be implemented using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and would operate independently from the 15% worldwide tariff that Trump announced over the weekend, the newspaper reported, referencing sources with knowledge of the administration’s plans.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the Wall Street Journal’s reporting. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

Last week, the nation’s highest court overturned Trump’s comprehensive tariff program that had been implemented under legislation designed for national emergency situations. Following that ruling, Trump initially established a temporary 10% tariff on imports from all nations before increasing that rate to 15%.

According to the Wall Street Journal report, the potential new tariffs could impact several key sectors including large-scale battery manufacturing, cast iron and iron fitting production, plastic piping systems, industrial chemical manufacturing, and equipment used in power grid and telecommunications infrastructure.