Consumers face a waiting game after tariff ruling

The Supreme Court’s decision striking down many of President Trump’s tariffs immediately cheered consumers who hoped it would lower the cost of imported goods. The tariffs, enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, had applied to a wide range of items including furniture, apparel and electronics.

Economists warned that sticker prices were unlikely to fall right away. Businesses that raised prices to offset higher import taxes are likely to be reluctant to cut them while tariff rates remain uncertain, and the administration moved quickly to sign new, across-the-board 10 percent tariffs in an effort to keep its trade policy intact.

Many companies had shielded customers last year by stockpiling inventory before steep tariffs took effect, but with those stocks dwindling they may be less able or willing to absorb new duties.

United States

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