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USTR Signals Potential Adjustments to 50% Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

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  • This Getty Images-AFP photo shows U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testifying before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 09, 2025. (Yonhap)
    This Getty Images-AFP photo shows U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testifying before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 09, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This Getty Images-AFP photo shows U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testifying before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 09, 2025. (Yonhap) Source Full size

USTR Deputy Announces Review of Tariff Application On Feb 17 2026, USTR deputy Jamieson Greer told CNBC that Washington may tweak how 50 % steel and aluminum duties are applied, especially for derivative products, to ease compliance burdens for firms struggling with complex calculations. He emphasized that the tariffs also cover appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, with duties calculated on each item’s steel content. Greer called the measures “successful,” citing higher steel shipments, new production lines, and announced aluminum smelters as evidence of policy impact[1].

Supreme Court Examines IEEPA Authority Over Tariffs The Supreme Court is reviewing whether the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act was properly invoked to impose the reciprocal tariffs, with an opinion expected around Feb 20 2026. Greer acknowledged uncertainty about the outcome, noting separation‑of‑powers concerns that could affect the tariffs’ legality. He warned that a ruling against the duties would force the administration to devise an alternative mechanism to preserve trade policy continuity[1].

Administration Plans Contingency If Tariffs Are Invalidated Greer stated that if the Court strikes down the IEEPA‑based duties, the administration will replace them with a new framework to maintain the president’s trade objectives. He did not disclose details of the prospective mechanism but indicated it would aim to avoid disruption for importers. This contingency reflects the administration’s commitment to keep the tariffs in place pending a final judicial decision[1].

Financial Times Report Suggests Possible Scaling Back Greer referenced a recent Financial Times story that the Trump administration may consider reducing certain steel and aluminum duties, though no specific changes were confirmed. The FT report hints at a selective scaling back rather than a wholesale repeal. Greer’s remarks align with broader discussion of easing compliance while preserving tariff revenue[1].

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Timeline

1977 – The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is enacted, later becoming the legal basis for President Trump’s emergency‑tariff program [6].

2018‑2020 – Trump imposes sweeping “global” tariffs under emergency powers, claiming they protect national security and rebalance trade [17].

May 2025 – Two lower courts rule that the president lacks authority to impose the IEEPA‑based tariffs, setting the stage for higher‑court review [1].

August 2025 – A federal appeals court affirms the lower‑court finding that the tariffs exceed presidential authority, intensifying the legal battle [20].

Nov 4, 2025 – Trump posts on Truth Social that the Supreme Court case is “LIFE OR DEATH” for the country, framing the tariffs as essential to national security [11].

Nov 5, 2025 – The Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the IEEPA tariff case, with justices probing the limits of executive power [11].

Dec 1, 2025 – Costco files a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking a full refund of the roughly $90 billion in tariffs it has paid if the Supreme Court strikes down the program [2].

Dec 3, 2025 – Trump reiterates that the pending decision is “country‑threatening” and vital for national security during an Oval Office meeting [11].

Dec 4, 2025 – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announces a backup plan to re‑impose tariffs using Sections 301, 232 and 122 if the Court invalidates the IEEPA authority [10].

Dec 9, 2025 – Trump warns on Truth Social that a ruling against the tariffs would be “the biggest threat in history” to U.S. national security [30].

Jan 2, 2026 – Trump posts that tariffs are an “overwhelming benefit” and that losing the authority would be a “terrible blow” to the United States [29].

Jan 8, 2026 – Analysts note the Court could drop the 15 % Korea tariff to zero, potentially requiring refunds of about $150 billion and reshaping the U.S.–Korea trade pact [28].

Jan 9, 2026 – The Supreme Court postpones any ruling on the tariff case, leaving the legal question unresolved as markets watch [27].

Jan 12, 2026 – Trump warns that a Supreme Court loss would create a “complete mess” and make refunding billions of dollars “almost impossible” [1].

Jan 14, 2026 – The Court again delays a decision, issuing opinions in other cases while the tariff matter remains pending [26].

Jan 15, 2026 – South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo says Seoul will monitor the U.S. ruling and prepare an “optimal response,” noting the 50‑50 odds of the decision [24].

Jan 16, 2026 – Administration officials outline a contingency plan that could invoke Section 301 and a 150‑day, 15 % tariff window if the Court strikes down the IEEPA tariffs [7].

Jan 19, 2026 – U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer states the administration would reconstitute reciprocal tariffs the day after a adverse ruling [23].

Jan 20, 2026 – Trump anxiously awaits the decision, warning that a loss would force “hundreds of billions” in refunds and cripple the economy; the Court issues no ruling that day [20][21][22].

Jan 28, 2026 – The Supreme Court’s fast‑track schedule stalls; justices reconvene with a possible opinion deadline around Feb 20, the typical end‑of‑term date [3].

Jan 28, 2026 – Legal analysts observe the Court’s delay pushes the decision beyond the usual three‑month window, heightening uncertainty for trade policy [13].

Jan 29, 2026 – Trump tells a Cabinet meeting that current tariffs are already steep and could become “much steeper,” emphasizing their role in national security and revenue [19].

Feb 17, 2026 – USTR Jamieson Greer signals possible tweaks to the 50 % steel and aluminum duties and confirms the Court’s pending opinion on IEEPA tariffs, expected around Feb 20 [18].

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