This is how enterprise and politics react to the tariff ruling | EUROtoday

As of: February 21, 2026 • 2:09 p.m

The Supreme Court’s customs ruling is a setback for US President Trump and is seen internationally as an indication of the rule of legislation. But the reactions are cautious – as a result of the uncertainty for the economic system and commerce stays.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who usually overtly criticizes US coverage, stated on the sidelines of an agricultural commerce honest in Paris: “It’s good to have power and counterweights to power in democracies.” On Friday, the US Supreme Court overturned a part of US President Donald Trump’s earlier tariffs. Macron remained extra cautious concerning the new tariffs that Trump later introduced. France will study the implications of world tariffs of ten p.c, however will proceed to export its merchandise.

The response from Brazil, which had beforehand confronted tariffs of 40 p.c “that no one else had,” stated Vice President and Industry Minister Geraldo Alckmin, was rather more constructive. “The ten percent is for everyone. We won’t lose any competitiveness if it’s ten percent for everyone.”

Otherwise, the response from worldwide politics was muted – many states indicated that they now wished to look at the brand new state of affairs. Germany and the EU Commission additionally introduced that they have been involved with the USA and emphasised the significance of stability and predictability in commerce relations.

Klingbeil sees the EU heading in the right direction

Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil doesn’t anticipate the tariff ruling to completely ease the commerce battle with the United States. “Despite the ruling, there are still industry-specific tariffs in key sectors such as auto and steel,” he instructed the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Trump has additionally already introduced new tariffs. “Therefore, uncertainty remains high.”

The Treasury Secretary emphasised that the tariffs have been hurting economies on each side of the Atlantic, most of all American residents who would pay the best worth. “Our answer remains: We are building new trade relationships around the world, concluding free trade agreements, protecting our industry and strengthening Europe’s independence and sovereignty,” stated Klingbeil.

Customs cope with the EU out of date?

The chairman of the commerce committee within the EU Parliament, Bernd Lange, even sees an opportunity of compensation of illegally imposed US tariffs. “Tariffs that have been paid too much must be paid back,” Lange instructed Deutschlandfunk. Lange estimates that greater than 100 billion euros have been overpaid by German firms or their American importers alone – however whether or not and when such repayments may very well be made continues to be fully open.

The SPD politician reiterated that the customs deal that had already been labored out with the USA was now missing a foundation. “Now, after this decision, there is of course absolute chaos,” Lange added. “That’s why we have to talk to the Americans again about how we move forward.” He introduced a particular assembly of the negotiating crew for the settlement with the USA and the authorized service of the EU Parliament for Monday.

US associations are demanding fast repayments

Calls for repayments have been additionally shortly heard within the US economic system: “The rapid repayment of the illegal tariffs is of great importance for the over 200,000 small importers in this country and will contribute to stronger economic growth this year,” stated Neil Bradley of the US Chamber of Commerce.

He referred to as on the US authorities to “reorient overall tariff policy so that it leads to stronger economic growth, higher wage increases for workers and lower costs for families.” The US Retail Association additionally referred to as for fast repayments and a “consistent trade policy”

German associations anticipate the customs battle to be prolonged

Many European firms reacted with cautious aid to the Supreme Court’s choice in view of the political state of affairs within the USA, however in addition they anticipate a “new round of uncertainty”, because the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) had already stated earlier than the announcement of the brand new tariff bundle.

For VCI Managing Director, Wolfgang Große Entrup, Trump’s response to the ruling was apparently no shock: “New tariffs on a different legal basis are possible at any time. The trade policy turbulences are not going away – they are just changing the playing field,” he stated within the hours between the choose’s ruling and the brand new tariff bundle. Anyone who thinks that this can finish the customs battle is mistaken.

Rule of legislation Signal, however not an all-clear

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) additionally initially reacted positively, however on the identical time warned: “The verdict is clear evidence of the existing separation of powers in the USA,” stated Wolfgang Niedermark, member of the BDI’s government board. It is to be anticipated that the US authorities will study alternative routes to proceed the tariffs or introduce comparable protecting devices – which is what in the end occurred.

The Association of Wholesale and Foreign Trade Companies (BGA) and the Mechanical Engineering Association VDMA welcomed the Supreme Court’s choice, however noticed no motive to provide the all-clear even earlier than the brand new customs announcement. “It is an important signal that the separation of powers works even in heated trade policy times and that executive measures are subject to clear legal control,” stated BGA President Dirk Jandura. But the reversal of customs duties which have already been paid is extraordinarily advanced, each legally and administratively, and this isn’t to be anticipated at first.

“Judgment out of time”

Other European enterprise associations additionally spoke of uncertainty slightly than breakthrough. “This decision risks a boomerang effect, leading to further uncertainty and a postponement of orders while traders wait for a clearer legal framework,” stated the secretary basic of the Italian wine affiliation UIV, Paolo Castelletti, concerning the ruling.

For Massimiliano Giansanti, president of the Italian farmers’ affiliation Confagricoltura, the decision comes at an inopportune time. It complicates the state of affairs for exporters on the very second after they have begun to adapt to US tariffs.

Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, was sobering: “This is not a panacea to get rid of the tariffs,” he stated of the choose’s verdict. “It’s just another complication, another twist in the story.”