American trade policy: Julien Paluku deciphers the cancellation of Trump's tariffs by the Supreme Court
The trade battle triggered by Donald Trump has just experienced a major legal setback in the United States. In an analytical column, the Congolese Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku, discusses the decision of the American Supreme Court of January 20, 2026 invalidating a large part of the customs duties imposed unilaterally by the former president. He sees it as a turning point in the governance of international trade and a reminder of the central role of the legislative power in setting taxes. Drawing on the legal foundations invoked by Washington and the strategic motivations of American tariff policy, the former governor of North Kivu highlights the implications of this decision for global economic balances. This analysis also aims, according to him, to “participate in understanding the major commercial issues of the world”, in a context where African economies remain highly exposed to protectionist tensions.
In a column dedicated to international trade issues, the Congolese Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku, commented on the decision rendered on January 20, 2026 by the Supreme Court of the United States, which invalidated a significant part of the customs duties introduced by Donald Trump since his return to the White House.
According to him, the American president had implemented an aggressive trade strategy based on “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at protecting the American economy and putting pressure on its partners. “Donald Trump relied on a 1977 law (…) arguing that the trade deficit constituted a national emergency,” explains the minister, referring to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
A pricing policy targeting several major partners
In his analysis, Julien Paluku recalls that these measures particularly affected China, Mexico, Canada, the European Union and South Africa, particularly in the steel, aluminum, electric vehicles and semiconductor sectors. American logic was based, according to him, on two axes: reducing the trade deficit and using tariffs as a diplomatic and security negotiation lever.
The Supreme Court reaffirms the role of Congress
The judicial decision constitutes, in the eyes of the Congolese minister, a reminder of American constitutional principles. “The Court ruled that if the IEEPA allows imports to be regulated in the event of a threat, it does not grant the president the power to impose taxes,” he underlines, specifying that this prerogative rests with Congress.
By six votes to three, the Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump had exceeded his powers by unilaterally imposing massive customs duties, thus canceling the measures taken by decree since 2025. However, certain tariffs based on other legal devices, such as sections 232 and 301, remain in force.
Trump seeks to circumvent the decision
Julien Paluku also notes that the president tried to rely on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to maintain tariff pressure, although this provision is limited in time. “President Trump is trying to replace a permanent emergency with a temporary trade emergency,” he analyzes.
In conclusion, the minister underlines the importance for African countries to closely monitor these developments, which influence the rules of world trade. “Our duty is also to involve our ministry in understanding the world’s major commercial issues,” he writes.
