Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November
A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
The Supreme Court will hear a case involving the legality of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which were enacted via a series of executive orders earlier this year. The case will be heard during the first week of November.
Washington, D.C.—The Supreme Court will hear the case involving the sweeping slate of tariffs President Donald Trump imposed earlier this year.
In a brief order issued Tuesday, the court said it would hear arguments in the case during the first week of November, granting the Trump administration’s request for an expedited review.
The legal battle over the tariffs began in April when five small businesses, including lead plaintiff V.O.S. Selections Inc., a family-run wine importer, sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).
A separate suit by 12 states, led by Oregon, followed.
At issue in the case is Trump’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, a 1977 law that grants the president the authority to declare a national emergency and take action to deal with an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”
Trump used the IEEPA to impose levies on goods from Canada and Mexico in return for what his administration said was their role in allowing fentanyl to enter into the United States, and on China for failing to stop the flow of synthetic opioids into the U.S., known collectively as the “trafficking tariffs.”
The president invoked the IEEPA again in April when he announced a 10 percent duty on goods from all trading partners (the “worldwide tariffs”) and unveiled a list of countries whose imports will face higher rates, ranging from 11-50 percent (the “retaliatory” tariffs).
The president imposed these tariffs in response to a national emergency related to what he views as an imbalance in the U.S. trade relationships and tariff rates.
The CIT, which has jurisdiction over civil actions that involve U.S. customs and trade law, consolidated the two cases into one.
In May, the court ruled in favor of the businesses and states.
It declared the tariffs invalid, writing in its ruling that the IEEPA does not give the president “unbounded authority” to “impose unlimited tariffs on goods from nearly every country in the world.”
Related stories will be right here …
In a brief order issued Tuesday, the court said it would hear arguments in the case during the first week of November, granting the Trump administration’s request for an expedited review.
The legal battle over the tariffs began in April when five small businesses, including lead plaintiff V.O.S. Selections Inc., a family-run wine importer, sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).
A separate suit by 12 states, led by Oregon, followed.
At issue in the case is Trump’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, a 1977 law that grants the president the authority to declare a national emergency and take action to deal with an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”
Trump used the IEEPA to impose levies on goods from Canada and Mexico in return for what his administration said was their role in allowing fentanyl to enter into the United States, and on China for failing to stop the flow of synthetic opioids into the U.S., known collectively as the “trafficking tariffs.”
The president invoked the IEEPA again in April when he announced a 10 percent duty on goods from all trading partners (the “worldwide tariffs”) and unveiled a list of countries whose imports will face higher rates, ranging from 11-50 percent (the “retaliatory” tariffs).
The president imposed these tariffs in response to a national emergency related to what he views as an imbalance in the U.S. trade relationships and tariff rates.
The CIT, which has jurisdiction over civil actions that involve U.S. customs and trade law, consolidated the two cases into one.
In May, the court ruled in favor of the businesses and states.
It declared the tariffs invalid, writing in its ruling that the IEEPA does not give the president “unbounded authority” to “impose unlimited tariffs on goods from nearly every country in the world.”
The Trump administration appealed the CIT’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The appeals court agreed with the CIT that the tariffs are illegal but it stayed (paused) its decision until Oct. 10 to allow the government time to appeal to the Supreme Court, a normal procedural action, Jewelers Vigilance Committee President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood said.
Yood was speaking Wednesday in Carlsbad, California, at Converge, the new event organized by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.
In her session, “Gold, Gems, and Global Headwinds: Trade and Tariffs in Focus,” Yood also addressed the potential timeline for the Supreme Court’s decision.
She said decisions for cases heard in November can be issued in January, though it could take until June.
The tariffs will remain in place pending the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Yood said those interested in tracking the case can do so on SCOTUSblog.com, an independent news site that tracks the court.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
