How Does the Annulment of Trump's Tariffs Impact Mexico?

The United States Supreme Court annulled a portion of the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, in a ruling that redefines the scope of executive powers in trade policy. According to international media reports, the decision represents a significant shift in the use of tariff tools under economic emergency arguments. The ruling introduces new elements of uncertainty into global trade and creates a scenario with direct effects for trade partners like Mexico. Furthermore, it redefines the legal limits for future trade measures by the U.S. government.

Supreme Court Halts Tariffs Imposed by Trump

In this regard, the Supreme Court determined, with a vote of six in favor and three against, that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president the authority to impose tariffs. The majority opinion was delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, while Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh voted against. The ruling concluded that the invoked legislation does not authorize Trump to impose trade tariffs, thereby invalidating part of the tariff measures previously applied. According to international reports, federal courts had already declared these tariffs illegal before the case reached the Supreme Court, which has now confirmed their annulment.

Reciprocal Tariffs Also Suspended

Meanwhile, the ruling also invalidated the so-called reciprocal tariffs, which had a global scope and affected countries such as Mexico, Canada, and China. These measures had been justified under arguments related to national security and issues like fentanyl trafficking into

. Critics pointed out that IEEPA does not empower the Executive to impose large-scale trade taxes without legislative authorization. With this resolution, general tariffs reaching levels of up to 25% and 34% on products outside specific sectors are annulled.

Trump “Explodes” and Announces New 10% Global Tariff

However, the “bomb” did not take long to explode; after the decision was announced, Donald Trump stated in a press conference that he would sign an executive order to impose an additional 10% global tariff on imports. The measure would be based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for the application of tariffs for a period of 150 days, with the possibility of extension through Congressional approval. The former president affirmed that he would seek other legal mechanisms to impose additional levies once that period concludes. He also noted that existing tariffs under Section 232 and Section 301 frameworks will remain in effect, maintaining part of the current trade policy. These levies, which continue to be subject to trade measures, include products such as:

Automobiles
Buses
Auto Parts
Steel
Aluminum
Copper
Furniture

How Does This Impact Mexico?

The annulment of tariffs imposed by Trump represents relief for Mexican manufacturing sectors. According to information disseminated by international media, industries such as automotive, steel, and aluminum faced a 0.3% contraction in industrial GDP in 2025 due to trade uncertainty. Therefore, the ruling has immediate and profound consequences for the bilateral trade relationship between Mexico and the U.S.:

Suspension of Specific Tariffs: Tariffs imposed under the “national emergency” argument for fentanyl trafficking and trade deficits are annulled. Although many products under the USMCA were already exempt, the measure removes pressure on sectors not fully covered by the treaty.
Multi-billion Dollar Refunds: Mexican companies and U.S. importers who paid these taxes can request a refund of the collected amounts. It is estimated that total revenues from these tariffs amounted to $133 billion dollars in 2025 alone.
Reduced Uncertainty: The elimination of these tariffs, which in some cases reached 30% to 50%, allows Mexican companies to regain competitiveness and plan investments with greater clarity.
Loss of Political Leverage: The ruling weakens Trump’s ability to use tariffs as a negotiation tool on migration and security issues, as occurred with the blockade of oil shipments to Cuba.

However, there will also be negative effects:

New Global Tariff: Trump immediately announced a new general tariff of 10% using other legal authorities that were not invalidated by this ruling.
Use of Alternative Laws: The government will seek to implement “reciprocal” tariffs through sections of trade law that do grant certain powers to the Executive.