北美观察丨美最高法院开审关税大案 两个半小时辩论充满质疑

Core Points - The U.S. Supreme Court is debating the legality of the President's broad tariff powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which has significant implications for presidential authority, congressional tax powers, and the economic fate of thousands of businesses [1][4][15] - The case has garnered widespread media attention, with reports highlighting skepticism and concerns among justices regarding the interpretation of IEEPA as a basis for universal tariff authority [1][4][11] Group 1: Background of the Case - The legal battle began in April 2025 when Learning Resources, an educational toy company, filed a lawsuit against the President's tariff policy due to rising import costs and squeezed profit margins [4] - Similar lawsuits were filed by V.O.S. Selections, a wine and spirits importer, questioning the legality of the President's broad tariff imposition under IEEPA [4][5] - The case escalated from the U.S. International Trade Court to the Federal Circuit Court, which ruled that the President lacked the authority to impose such extensive tariffs under IEEPA, prompting the government to appeal to the Supreme Court [4][5] Group 2: Legal Representation and Arguments - The government is represented by Solicitor General D. John Roberts, a highly regarded figure in the Supreme Court, while the opposing side includes former Solicitor General Neal Katyal, representing small businesses [8][9] - A coalition of state governments has also joined the plaintiffs, emphasizing the need for clear congressional authorization for significant actions in the sensitive area of tariffs [8][9] Group 3: Court Proceedings and Dynamics - The oral arguments on November 5 were extended to 80 minutes due to intense questioning from justices, lasting approximately two and a half hours [10] - Justices focused on whether IEEPA grants the President the authority to impose such broad and long-term tariffs, with discussions around the "major questions doctrine" and the historical context of tariff powers [11][12] Group 4: Potential Outcomes and Implications - Predictions for the Supreme Court's ruling include three main possibilities: a significant limitation of presidential power, a technical compromise acknowledging limited emergency powers, or a ruling in favor of the government's position [15][16] - The outcome will have profound implications for U.S. trade policy, affecting business costs, import prices, and the constitutional balance of power between the presidency and Congress [15][16]