Indian businesses eyeing the US market can now plan with greater certainty following the Supreme Court’s smackdown of sweeping presidential tariff powers. The ruling erases doubts over 18% reciprocal duties, affirming that one-way trade barriers demand Congress’s green light.
Chief Justice John Roberts led the 6-3 charge, dismantling reliance on a 1977 law: ‘Presidents lack inherent right to impose tariffs of infinite scope without legislative say-so.’ Interim US concessions to trim India tariffs to 18% are history.
‘This legally binds tariff actions, offering Indian firms relief, refunds potential, and competitive uplift,’ affirmed Grant Thornton partner Manoj Mishra.
Yet, watch for Section 232 maneuvers in defense-related imports. The path forward? Robust US-India trade talks to cement low duties and open doors long-term.
Trump’s tariff playbook suffers a defining loss, tilting toward balanced global trade. For India, it’s a strategic windfall, stabilizing supply chains and empowering exporters to capture more US share amid economic recovery.