After the US Supreme Court declared last week that Trump’s tariffs violated the constitution, the president responded by imposing a new 15% import duty. What exactly unfolded, and what are the consequences?

A well-known Soviet-era joke goes like this: you switch on the radio and hear about Lenin. You open the newspaper and find Lenin again. Opening the fridge becomes a source of anxiety.

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Nowadays, a similar sentiment could be expressed regarding US President Donald Trump and his worldwide tariffs.

Following last week’s ruling by the US Supreme Court that deemed his tariffs unconstitutional, Trump escalated the situation by announcing a fresh 15% import tax regardless.

What transpired precisely, and what impact will it have?

The Supreme Court affirmed that taxation authority under the US Constitution lies exclusively with Congress, not the president. By invoking emergency laws to impose taxes globally, Trump exceeded his constitutional powers.

This decision induces uncertainty for the EU. The EU-US trade agreement from last summer, which has not yet been ratified and limits tariffs to 15%, now faces a legal gray area.

With those presidential powers invalidated, the European Commission seeks clarification, since European companies might be eligible for refunds totaling billions of euros on tariffs already paid.

However, it’s important to note that this judgment does not impact Trump’s previous tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles, as these were established under entirely separate legislation.

Returning to the fridge joke: if these new tariffs remain in effect, the price of US imports to the EU will likely rise.

Yet, there is optimism. Shoppers in Denmark have begun utilizing a new app that scans products, aiding them in locating local alternatives to American imports with ease.

Perhaps Europe might adopt the well-known principle: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome?

Watch the Euronews video above for the complete story.