Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesPolicies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday
Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
On Wednesday morning, the Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments in the case involving the legality of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
New York—On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the validity of the sweeping tariffs President Donald Trump imposed earlier this year, a case that has major implications for the jewelry and watch industries.
The case will center on whether the president has the authority to impose wide-ranging, long-term tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law intended for national emergencies that Trump has repeatedly invoked in issuing a series of executive orders imposing tariffs.
The arguments the Supreme Court will hear relate to two cases brought in lower courts.
One was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by two small toy-making companies, and another was brought in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) by a group of small businesses, which previously was combined with a separate suit 12 states filed in the CIT.
The judge in the toy makers’ case ruled in their favor but put the decision on hold while the government appealed.
The CIT also ruled in favor of the small businesses and the states; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (which hears appeals from the CIT) put the CIT’s ruling on hold while the government appealed.
According to SCOTUSblog.com, an independent news site that tracks the court, the scheduled time for the oral arguments in the tariffs case has been expanded from the normal 60 minutes to 80 minutes.
They are set for 10 a.m. EST.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood previously said decisions in cases the court hears in November can be issued as early as January, though it could take until June.
However, the fact that the court fast-tracked the case at Trump’s request could suggest it is prepared to “act expeditiously,” according to SCOTUS blog.
The tariffs will remain in place pending the Supreme Court’s ruling.
While the tariffs case is still being debated in the courts, the Trump administration announced that it has reached deals, or frameworks for deals, with a number of Asian countries following the president’s recent tour of the continent.
Key among them is Saturday’s announcement that the administration has reached a trade deal with China.
The deal will, among other things, half the tariff rate related to trade in fentanyl precursor drugs, according to Reuters, bringing the overall tariff on Chinese imports down from 57 percent to 47 percent.
The administration also announced agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, and frameworks for deals to establish new rates on imports from Thailand and Vietnam, all of which keep the reciprocal tariff rate on the countries at 19 percent (Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand) to 20 percent (Vietnam).
Related stories will be right here …
The case will center on whether the president has the authority to impose wide-ranging, long-term tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law intended for national emergencies that Trump has repeatedly invoked in issuing a series of executive orders imposing tariffs.
The arguments the Supreme Court will hear relate to two cases brought in lower courts.
One was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by two small toy-making companies, and another was brought in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) by a group of small businesses, which previously was combined with a separate suit 12 states filed in the CIT.
The judge in the toy makers’ case ruled in their favor but put the decision on hold while the government appealed.
The CIT also ruled in favor of the small businesses and the states; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (which hears appeals from the CIT) put the CIT’s ruling on hold while the government appealed.
According to SCOTUSblog.com, an independent news site that tracks the court, the scheduled time for the oral arguments in the tariffs case has been expanded from the normal 60 minutes to 80 minutes.
They are set for 10 a.m. EST.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood previously said decisions in cases the court hears in November can be issued as early as January, though it could take until June.
However, the fact that the court fast-tracked the case at Trump’s request could suggest it is prepared to “act expeditiously,” according to SCOTUS blog.
The tariffs will remain in place pending the Supreme Court’s ruling.
While the tariffs case is still being debated in the courts, the Trump administration announced that it has reached deals, or frameworks for deals, with a number of Asian countries following the president’s recent tour of the continent.
Key among them is Saturday’s announcement that the administration has reached a trade deal with China.
The deal will, among other things, half the tariff rate related to trade in fentanyl precursor drugs, according to Reuters, bringing the overall tariff on Chinese imports down from 57 percent to 47 percent.
The administration also announced agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, and frameworks for deals to establish new rates on imports from Thailand and Vietnam, all of which keep the reciprocal tariff rate on the countries at 19 percent (Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand) to 20 percent (Vietnam).
Ahead of Wednesday’s arguments in front of the Supreme Court, the American Watch Association (AWA) filed an amicus brief, dated Oct. 24, urging the court to declare the tariffs unlawful.
The JVC co-signed the brief.
Amicus briefs are filed with courts by companies or individuals who are not party to a case but have a vested interest in its outcome.
It was submitted by the AWA’s counsel at Washington D.C.-based law firm Covington & Burling LLP.
In the brief, the organizations explain why tariffs—particularly the reciprocal tariffs on Switzerland (39 percent) and Japan (15 percent), countries that produce specialized precision components—are harmful to the U.S. watch industry.
It asserts that the volatility in tariff rates thus far has made business planning difficult, especially for small businesses, which are less likely to have resources to adapt to frequent changes and are at a higher risk of unintentional non-compliance.
The brief also notes that while the president’s rationale for imposing the tariffs is the “lack of reciprocity,” any trade imbalances that exist have nothing to do with watches.
“As to Switzerland in particular, any perceived imbalance in the bilateral trade relationship is not the result of the watch industry but instead of other industries, including pharmaceuticals—which, unusually, the president exempted from the tariffs.”
In addition, the brief asserts that the tariffs will eliminate jobs, raise costs for consumers, and push shoppers to make purchases abroad.
The organizations also argue there is no domestic substitutes for Swiss and Japanese watch components at “the necessary commercial scale in the United States, nor is there any realistic prospect of generating the capabilities necessary to manufacture them in America.”
“Assuming some manufacturers were otherwise willing to undertake the billions of dollars in investment necessary to generate industrial watchmaking capacity [in the U.S.], it would likely take a decade or more (from site selection to production part approval) before any sort of manufacturing capability could exist, let alone for such an investment to generate a positive return,” the brief states.
AWA declined any additional comment on the brief.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
