In a landmark 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on February 21, 2026, that former President Donald Trump's controversial tariffs exceeded executive authority, sparking cheers from global markets and analysts. The ruling invalidates a key pillar of Trump's trade agenda, with experts calling it a win for multilateral cooperation.
🚨 Why it matters: The tariffs, imposed under emergency powers, were widely criticized for destabilizing global trade. South African analyst Sandile Swana noted they 'hurt U.S. companies more than foreign exporters,' while Croatian economist Ljubo Jurcic called the policy a 'flawed economic model.'
📈 Market rally: European stocks surged post-ruling, with France's CAC 40 briefly hitting 8,500 points—a historic high. Greek outlet OT reported renewed investor confidence as trade tensions ease.
🌍 Global ripple effects: African economists like Rwanda's Teddy Kaberuka warned tariffs had 'rattled vulnerable economies,' though some sectors may now recover. South Africa's Chris Harmse highlighted potential gains for automotive and agriculture exports if barriers fall.
⚠️ But wait: Analysts caution uncertainty lingers. Former U.S. official Edward Fishman warned tariffs could still resurface through other legal channels, while Portugal's Rui Cardoso urged the EU to adopt tougher stances in future negotiations.
💡 The big picture: While the ruling clips presidential trade powers, experts say long-term U.S. policy direction remains unclear—keeping the world on alert. As markets breathe a sigh of relief, the question remains: What's next for global trade rules? 🤔
