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.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
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.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
