Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump's tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are illegal, leading to potential confusion in global tariff expectations and a possible decrease in overall tariffs on Chinese goods due to the "truce period" stability and Trump's visit to China [1][2][7]. Group 1: Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications - The Supreme Court's decision indicates that the IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose large-scale tariffs without clear congressional approval, which may disrupt existing tariff structures [2][3]. - The ruling emphasizes the "major questions doctrine," requiring explicit congressional authorization for significant economic policies, which could limit the administration's ability to implement tariffs unilaterally [3]. Group 2: Tariff Mechanisms and Alternatives - The Trump administration is expected to explore various alternative tariff mechanisms, including the 122 tariffs, which are limited to a 15% rate for 150 days, and the 301 tariffs, which target unfair trade practices and can be applied to specific countries [4][5]. - The 122 tariffs were initiated on February 24, with an increase to 15% announced shortly after, but they face legislative hurdles for extension beyond their initial period [4]. - The 301 tariffs are anticipated to be a focal point for future trade discussions, particularly concerning countries previously subjected to such investigations [5][6]. Group 3: Impact on China and Labor-Intensive Exports - For China, the overall tariff levels may decrease, benefiting labor-intensive exports during the low tariff window, especially if Trump's visit to China occurs without escalating trade tensions [7][8]. - The expected reduction in tariffs could lead to a 5% decrease in the effective tariff rate on Chinese goods, positively impacting exports of labor-intensive products such as toys, footwear, and apparel [8]. Group 4: Refund Process for IEEPA Tariffs - The refund process for the IEEPA tariffs is expected to be lengthy, potentially taking several years, with the Supreme Court's ruling sending the case back to lower courts for determination of refund procedures [9][10]. - As of December 14, 2025, the U.S. has collected approximately $133.5 billion in IEEPA tariffs, with estimates suggesting this could rise to $160 billion by February 2026 [10][14]. Group 5: Global Reactions and Future Negotiations - Global reactions to the Supreme Court ruling indicate a cautious approach, with various countries reassessing their trade agreements with the U.S. and preparing for potential changes in tariff structures [11][18]. - Future negotiations are likely to focus on maintaining existing trade agreements while addressing the uncertainties introduced by the ruling, particularly as the midterm elections approach [6][11].
中信证券:美国对等关税非法 能否实现“平替”?