The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the legality of President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs, a move that has sparked debate among trade experts. Wilbur Ross, Trump's former commerce secretary, has stated that the president is unlikely to backtrack on the tariffs, citing his "too committed" stance on the issue.
According to Ross, who helped design the first wave of Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs during his first term, a total defeat from the Supreme Court is unlikely. However, even if the court rules against the tariffs, Ross believes Trump will not abandon the policy. "Hes too invested," Ross said in an interview with Fortune. "If they lose, I don't think he's just going to say, Well, okay, it didn't work under this law, I'll give it up."
The tariffs in question were imposed by Trump in 2018, with the aim of protecting American industries from foreign competition. The move was met with opposition from several countries, including Canada and the European Union, which argued that the tariffs were unfair and would harm their economies. The Supreme Court's decision on the tariffs is expected to have significant implications for the global trade landscape.
Ross's comments on Trump's commitment to the tariffs are in line with the president's past statements on the issue. Trump has repeatedly defended the tariffs, arguing that they are necessary to protect American jobs and industries. However, critics of the tariffs have argued that they are a form of protectionism that will ultimately harm the US economy.
Other trade experts have also weighed in on the issue, with some arguing that Trump's commitment to the tariffs is a gamble that may not pay off. "A weaker case and a bigger gamble," said one expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "The Supreme Court is unlikely to rule in favor of the tariffs, and even if they do, the president's commitment to the policy may not be enough to make it work."
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on the tariffs on Wednesday, with a decision expected in the coming months. The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for the global trade landscape, and will be closely watched by trade experts and policymakers around the world.
In related news, the US trade deficit has continued to rise in recent months, with the country importing more goods than it exports. The deficit has been a source of concern for Trump, who has argued that it is a sign of a weak economy. However, critics of the tariffs have argued that they are a major contributor to the deficit, and will ultimately harm the US economy.
The case before the Supreme Court is one of several high-profile trade disputes that have been making headlines in recent months. The court is also set to hear arguments on a separate trade case involving the US-China trade war, which has been a major source of tension between the two countries.
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