Partner Jonathan Todd Quoted in Logistics Management on CIT Ruling and Temporary Reinstatement of Trump-Era Tariffs

Jonathan Todd, Vice Chair of Benesch’s Transportation & Logistics Practice Group, was recently quoted in the Logistics Management article “After CIT rules Trump-era Tariffs illegal, a federal appeal temporarily reinstates them.”

The article discusses that the legal battle over tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) continues, following a U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ruling that former President Trump misused the law. While the CIT decision called for a halt to most tariffs, a temporary stay was granted after the U.S. Department of Justice appealed, keeping the tariffs in place until the case reaches the Supreme Court. As uncertainty looms, businesses and supply chain managers remain unable to plan confidently, with industries like consumer goods, toys, and home wares potentially facing significant impacts.

Jonathan emphasized that the case is not just about trade but also raises a constitutional question, specifically whether the IEEPA grants the President unrestricted authority to impose tariffs worldwide. He described the situation as a “soap opera of forces,” involving importers, states, judges, and the administration all pushing different legal arguments. With appeals moving forward, Todd noted that the case could set a major precedent regarding the limits of executive power in trade policy.

Read the full article here.