• The Supreme Court ruling provides partial clarity for US businesses engaged in international trade, following sustained disruption to shipping volumes, pricing structures and supply chain planning caused by recent tariff measures.
• Although the decision may ease some immediate cost pressures, ongoing uncertainty regarding alternative trade actions continues to complicate long-term planning for importers, exporters and logistics providers, particularly in the airfreight sector.
• Urgent guidance is needed on tariff refund mechanisms — including timelines, administrative processes and eligibility — as industry groups such as the Airforwarders Association advocate for stable, predictable trade frameworks that reinforce economic growth and supply chain resilience.

The Supreme Court decision striking down the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs is expected to bring a measure of clarity for U.S. businesses engaged in international trade, according to Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association.

The Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling invalidated key components of the Trump administration’s tariff programme, including country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs and selected 25 percent duties introduced under IEEPA, while leaving in place measures enacted under other trade laws such as steel and aluminium tariffs. The decision marks a significant legal setback for the administration, although alternative statutory authorities remain available for imposing duties.

“The Supreme Court’s decision should bring a degree of clarity for U.S. businesses that rely on international trade,” Fried said. “Our members have seen firsthand how tariff measures negatively impact shipping volumes, pricing, and supply chain planning, and greater stability in trade policy is critical for the movement of goods.”

While the ruling may ease some immediate cost pressures for importers, exporters, and logistics providers, Fried emphasised that uncertainty over potential future trade actions continues to complicate long-term planning. “We now need clarity on how any tariff refunds will be processed, including the timeline, administrative requirements, and eligibility criteria, to ensure businesses can plan with confidence and reduce unnecessary costs,” he said.

Fried added that the Airforwarders Association will continue to engage with policymakers to promote “clear, consistent trade frameworks that support economic growth and strengthen supply chain resilience.”

The post Airforwarders Association welcomes Supreme Court tariff ruling appeared first on Air Cargo Week.