BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 A U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down key tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump is reshaping the administration\u2019s trade agenda, even as new tariffs are set to take effect.<\/p>\n
The high court ruled that Trump did not have the authority under emergency powers to impose certain tariffs, saying the power to levy tariffs rests with Congress.<\/p>\n
Hours later, Trump announced he would move forward with a new 10% global tariff under a different law.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under section 122 over and above our normal tariffs already being charged,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n
For many Americans, the immediate concern is how the shifting trade policy could affect their wallets.<\/p>\n
Richard Gearhart, chair of the economics department at California State University, Bakersfield, said the uncertainty surrounding tariffs could have widespread effects, including in Kern County, where agriculture, manufacturing, energy and distribution play major roles in the local economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just going to be a whole lot of economic stagnation,\u201d Gearhart said. \u201cWe\u2019re entering a stretch with high prices, jobless boom, and so I think this is going to be a struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gearhart said the unpredictability of tariff policy makes it difficult for businesses and consumers to plan ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusinesses cannot plan for the next three months into the future because they don\u2019t know where the tariffs are going or what they\u2019re going to be,\u201d he said. \u201cConsumers can\u2019t plan ahead. Retirees can\u2019t plan ahead. Governments can\u2019t plan ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said that instability can delay hiring, slow investment and drive up prices on imported goods, from farm equipment to everyday household items.<\/p>\n
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the ruling could also provide financial relief to businesses that paid tariffs deemed unlawful.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusinesses harmed by these illegal tariffs are entitled to refunds for the costs that they were forced to bear,\u201d Bonta said. \u201cReal relief will be on the way for small businesses, for manufacturers, for farmers, and for workers who paid the price.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bonta said businesses seeking refunds would need to pursue them through the U.S. Court of International Trade. The timeline for that process remains unclear.<\/p>\n
Despite the court\u2019s ruling, Gearhart said other countries are unlikely to immediately lift their own tariffs on U.S. goods.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to continue to see price hikes. We\u2019re going to continue to see businesses not investing in the United States,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re just essentially shooting ourselves in the foot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gearhart also warned that prolonged trade instability could have longer-term economic consequences, including potential impacts on federal programs such as Social Security.<\/p>\n
It remains unclear whether the new global tariff will face additional legal challenges.<\/p>\n
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