By Damian Brett | 23 February 2026
Containers, shipping, trade
Image: Shutterstock © Strikernia
US airfreight forwarders have welcomed Friday’s Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the sweeping tariffs introduced by president Donald Trump last year – although he later announced a new 15% tariff.
On Friday, the US Supreme Court overturned the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
This includes global reciprocal tariffs, as well as tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada to stop the flow of fentanyl. Other tariffs are not affected by the ruling.
The airfreight forwarder association said the decision “should bring a degree of clarity for US businesses that rely on international trade”, although the president later announced plans to introduce a global tariff of 15%.
“Our members have seen firsthand how tariff measures negatively impact shipping volumes, pricing, and supply chain planning, and greater stability in trade policy is critical for the movement of goods,” the Airforwarders Association (AfA) said in a statement.
“While this ruling may reduce some immediate cost pressures, uncertainty around future trade actions continues to complicate long-term planning for importers, exporters, and the logistics providers that support them.”
The AfA called for clarity on how any tariff refunds will be processed, including the timeline, administrative requirements, and eligibility criteria, to ensure businesses can plan with confidence and reduce unnecessary costs.
Meanwhile, forwarder CH Robinson said “significant unknowns remain” following the court ruling.
“The Court did not address remedies or refunds, leaving those issues to be decided by the administration, Congress or litigation,” the forwarder said.
The forwarder recommended that companies should continue to build resilience into their supply chains.
“Importers should explore cost-reduction strategies such as diversifying sourcing, using free trade zones, and optimising transportation and warehousing.”
Following the Supreme Court ruling, an executive order was issued bringing in a new temporary 10% tariff for all goods – except those with exemptions – under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act that is due to come into force tomorrow. The tariffs can last up to 150 days.
Over the weekend, Trump had said the rate would be increased to 15% under section 122.
The suspension of the de minimis exemption will continue, according to the executive order.
Customs and Border Protection has told companies this morning that it would stop collecting the IEEPA tariffs at 12.01am on Tuesday.
US trade negotiators have said that countries that have struck trade deals with the US will not have their tariff rate increased, although the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed in those deals were illegal.