The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the U.S. President can use emergency powers to impose broad tariffs. For Canadian importers/exporters moving cargo into, out of, or between Canada and the U.S., this Supreme Court tariffs case matters because outcomes could change duty exposure, refunds, and clearance steps. The Court consolidated challenges (No. 24-1287) and held oral argument last week; a decision is expected by the end of the Court’s term.

What this Case is About

Question before the Court: Does the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) let the U.S. President impose sweeping import tariffs without new legislation? Challengers argue this is the job of the U.S Congress.
Key signals from the argument revealed that justices pressed the government on whether these duties are truly “regulatory” versus revenue-raising taxes; several justices showed skepticism about the unlimited tariff authority under the IEEPA.

What Might Happen

Authority narrowed, if the Court limits IEEPA use for tariffs, some duties could be invalidated; importers may pursue refunds for entries paid under the struck authority, and refund mechanics would run through U.S. Customs (CBP) processes.
Authority upheld, if the Court upholds broad authority, existing tariff programs continue; Canada-U.S. cost models remain elevated where tariffs apply.
A mixed ruling, the Court could leave some measures intact but tighten the process/justification, expecting new notices and rapid policy adjustments.

What to Expect Next

Decision window: watch for a ruling by the end of the U.S. Court’s term. The docket shows the case has been consolidated and argued, so the merits decision is pending.
If refunds become available, claim pathways will rely on the quality of entry data (HTS, value, country of origin), proof of payment, and deadlines set by CBP guidance following the ruling. (Process inference; depends on final opinion and agency notices.)
Messaging vs. law, public statements about tariff revenue continue, but compliance flows will follow the Court’s opinion and CBP/USITC notices, not press lines.

What Shippers Can Do Now

What we’re doing at StraitLink:

Audit tariff lines; we map your U.S. HTS classifications to specific tariff programs flagged by the case, confirm valuation/origin, and retain entry documents for potential refunds.
Pre-clear & synchronize, we coordinate CBSA entries on the Canadian side and work with our U.S. brokerage partner for CBP entries where your Incoterms require U.S. clearance. We keep both sides aligned to avoid mismatches.
Protect cut-offs; we work to the cut-off windows on your StraitLink booking confirmation. If terminals advance cut-offs or exams are likely, we pull pickups forward and secure appointments early.
Contingency routing allows us to hold alternates (mode/carrier/port, or airport) for time-sensitive files in case capacity shifts after the ruling.

What you can do now:

Know your cargo, confirm HTS codes, country of origin, and valuation support. Ensure invoices/packing lists match the entry data; we’ll run a quick accuracy check before filing.
Line up backup routings, ask us for alternates (air vs. LTL/truckload vs. ocean; different gateway airports/ports) in case tariffs shift capacity or cost on your primary lane.
Consider CES & bonded options, for inspection-prone commodities, we can arrange movement to a Centralized Examination Station (CES) or bonded moves that reduce terminal dwell and demurrage risk.
Tighten document processes and send the final documents earlier (including commercial invoices, packing lists, origin proofs, and permits, where applicable) so we can avoid inspection delays caused by inconsistencies.
Claims readiness, retain load/unload photos and seal logs on arrival; if duty changes trigger rework or delays, we’ll have evidence ready for carrier or terminal claims.

Canada-based Preparation

Cross-border cost models, including those used by Canadian importers/exporters quoting into the U.S., will need to be updated with the latest landed-cost assumptions as soon as the decision is published.
Coordination with Ottawa partners will be necessary if U.S. tariffs change. In such cases, CBSA/Global Affairs Canada may issue aligned guidance on permits/exclusions, and we’ll update immediately.
For trade shows and white-glove shipments of exhibits and machinery, we will adjust schedules and documentation to protect free time at U.S. airports/ports in case processing spikes occur after the ruling.

StraitLink — Steady Execution While the Court Decides

We don’t wait for headlines. We audit, classify, file, route, and protect your bookings so a legal ruling doesn’t turn into a supply-chain surprise. If the U.S. Supreme Court narrows the tariffs, we’ll prepare refund support. If they’re upheld, we’ll keep your routings and cost models current.

Do you need a tariff line audit or a backup routing plan before making a decision? StraitLink is ready to help you navigate uncertainty and prepare for changes.

Supreme Court Tariffs: What It Means for Canadian Shippers Moving to/from the U.S.