The Georgia Chamber of Commerce released an updated tariff report on Feb. 27 following the recent Supreme Court decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not allow the executive branch to impose tariffs.
The new report analyzes how this ruling could affect Georgia businesses, including potential changes to trade policy and what employers should consider as a result of the court’s action.
In a statement, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce said: “Georgia businesses have remained resilient and nimble over the last year as trade and tariff policies have shifted. The Supreme Court’s decision creates an opportunity to re-evaluate overall tariff policy to increase affordability for families, create a level playing field for businesses, and deepen economic prosperity for our state.”
According to details in the Chamber’s briefing, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled by a 6–3 margin that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs by executive order. This invalidates many tariffs put in place during 2025 under this authority. Over $200 billion had been collected through these tariffs; government officials previously indicated that if IEEPA authority was struck down, they would need to refund duties collected and adjust seized merchandise accordingly. However, how and when this process will occur remains uncertain as lower courts take up related matters.
Despite this ruling, new global tariffs at a rate of 15 percent have already been enacted using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The status of ongoing trade agreements with major partners such as Mexico, China, South Korea, India, and the European Union may change quickly in response to these developments—posing continued uncertainty for companies across Georgia.
Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber is described as Georgia’s largest business advocacy organization with offices throughout Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton.
