Last year, President Donald Trump imposed IEEPA tariffs on various countries (including Mexico). These are additional import duties (usually between 10% and 25%) applied after declaring a “national emergency” due to an external threat to the U.S. economy.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued decision 24-1287, in which it determined that the Trump administration exceeded the authority granted by Congress by imposing additional tariffs on almost all U.S. trading partners under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), including the package widely known as the “Liberation Day tariffs.”

With the Court’s decision, a large portion of these tariffs is struck down, opening the door for companies that paid them to potentially seek refunds in certain cases, subject to the criteria and procedures established by U.S. authorities.

Key points about the current situation:

• Tariff annulment: The Supreme Court found that IEEPA cannot be used as a basis to impose broad, permanent tariffs without express authorization from Congress.
• Impact on Mexico: The elimination or suspension of these tariffs reduces pressure on Mexican exports to the U.S., which had been one of the main targets of the prior tariff policy.
• Potential refunds: Companies that paid IEEPA tariffs may consider the possibility of seeking refunds, although the operational details still depend on CBP regulations and ongoing litigation.

It is important to note that this decision does not eliminate other tariffs currently in force, such as:

• Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, related to unfair trade practices (25% - 100%).
• Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, related to tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, among others (10% - 50%).

We recommend conducting a tariff risk assessment if your company exports to the United States, in order to identify operations where IEEPA or other extraordinary tariffs may have been paid.

A link to the document issued by the competent authority is provided for your full reference and review of the complete text.

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf

J.A. DEL RÍO offers a wide array of specialized consulting services to assist you with these and other matters, in order to ensure that your project complies with the applicable characteristics  contained in this agreement.

If you have any questions, J.A. DEL RÍO can provide you with our experts to advise in matters concerning compliance with your legal and tax obligations. Once again, please let us know if we may be of any further assistance to you at: contacto@jadelrio.com.