Last Updated 8/31/25
Federal Court Rules on IEEPA Tariffs
On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a landmark 7–4 ruling declaring that President Donald Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs were unlawful. The court held that tariff-setting authority is a core Congressional power, not delegated to the president under IEEPA.
The ruling upholds a May decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which concluded that the president exceeded his authority under IEEPA. While the ruling upholds the lower court decision, it will not take effect until October 14, 2025, giving the Trump administration time to seek Supreme Court review.
Key Details of the Ruling:
- Legal Basis: The court determined that IEEPA allows the president to “regulate” in response to national emergencies but does not authorize imposing tariffs or taxes.
- Congressional Power: Judges emphasized that only Congress can set tariff schedules.
- Specific Tariffs Affected: The decision invalidates reciprocal tariffs on imports from multiple countries and tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico which were used to pressure those countries to do more to stop shipments of fentanyl and precursor chemicals from entering the U.S.
- Exclusions: Section 232 tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel, aluminum, and copper remain unaffected. Also excluded are Section 301 tariffs on imports from China, addressing unfair trade practices.
The Trump administration is expected to petition the Supreme Court, which will ultimately determine the scope of executive power over trade.
Inclusion of ALPP under Section 232
In another significant development directly impacting the printing industry, on August 1, 2025, the Trump administration approved Eastman Kodak’s petition to include aluminum lithographic printing plates (ALPP) under Section 232 tariffs, making them subject to a 50% duty. The Section 232 Inclusion Decision Memorandum can be found here.
For printers, this directly raises costs on a critical consumable with limited domestic production alternatives, intensifying pressure on supply chains already strained by global trade shifts. Members should anticipate price increases, potential supply disruptions, and consider supplier diversification to manage risk.
On June 16, 2025, PRINTING United Alliance, a member of the Tariff Reform Coalition, joined comments outlining concerns over the new inclusions process established for Section 232 steel/aluminum and their derivative products. The letter can be found here.
Additionally, the Alliance supports the National Association of Manufacturers proposed U.S. Manufacturing Investment Accelerator Program. The program offers a clear, actionable agenda to strengthen U.S. manufacturing through common-sense trade policy. The proposal is intended to initiate a dialogue with the Trump administration. To learn more about the program, visit Manufacturing Pass.
U.S. and EU Announce Trade Framework Agreement
After very involved negotiations, on August 21, 2025, the White House and the European Union (EU) released a Joint Statement unveiling a Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. The EU has also released a Q&A document. The deal represents a significant realignment of transatlantic trade policy, aiming to ease tensions while setting new tariff structures on key sectors. The goal is to “resolve U.S.-EU trade imbalances and unleash the full potential of our combined economic power.”
Key Provisions of the Agreement
- Section 232: The U.S. will cap combined most-favored-nation (MFN) and Section 232 tariffs at 15% and apply only MFN rates on aircraft, aircraft parts, cork, and other specified products. This 15% ceiling also applies to pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber. These products are currently under Section 232 investigation.
For background purposes, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 allows for investigations and the ability to impose tariffs on imports that are considered a threat to national security. The Secretary of Commerce conducts the investigation, gathers public comments and testimony, and then provides a report to the President with recommendations. The President has the final authority to decide whether to take action, which can include tariffs, quotas, or other measures, to address the identified national security threat. PRINTING United Alliance, in conjunction with the News Media Alliance and America’s Newspapers, submitted comments on the investigation into timber and lumber and their derivative products, which can be found here.
- Steel and Aluminum: EU imports of steel and aluminum will remain subject to a 50% tariff rate; however, the agreement opens the possibility of a tariff-rate quota system, which could offer discounted rates for limited quantities in the future.
- Automobiles: Once the EU enacts its tariff reductions, U.S. tariffs on automobiles and auto parts will be adjusted. Products with an MFN tariff of 15% or higher will be exempt from Section 232 tariffs, while those with an MFN rate below 15% will face a combined tariff of 15%. The deal also includes mutual recognition of auto standards.
The EU said it intends to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial products and provide preferential market access to a range of U.S. food exports, including tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, pork and bison meat, and dairy products.
The EU has also agreed to buy an additional $750 billion in U.S. energy products over the next three years and make investments worth $600 billion in "various sectors" in the U.S. by 2029. The U.S. will not face higher tariffs for exporting to the EU in return.
The statement also says the EU will work to reduce regulatory burdens on U.S. companies that could inhibit transatlantic trade, such as those imposed by the EU Deforestation Regulation, which impacts printed products using paper as the substrate.
For the printing industry, the U.S.-EU trade agreement offers clear benefits by reducing uncertainty and lowering costs on essential inputs. With the EU eliminating duties on U.S. industrial goods and the U.S. capping Section 232 tariffs at 15%, printers can expect greater stability in the price and availability of critical materials such as paper, inks, coatings, and machinery components. The commitment to address global steel and aluminum overcapacity will hopefully result in greater protection from volatile price swings. And the agreement strengthens transatlantic supply chains that are vital to the competitiveness of U.S. printing and packaging companies.
For additional details, read the White House Fact Sheet.
Additional Tariff Action on India
On August 6, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25% IEEPA tariff on products imported from India. This tariff took effect on August 27, 2025 and combines with previously announced reciprocal tariffs of 25%, bringing the total tariff on many Indian goods to 50%. President Trump cited India's direct or indirect importation of Russian oil as a national security threat and the reason for establishing the tariff.
However, the recent federal appeals court decision directly impacts the 25% IEEPA duty applied to India and casts doubt on the legality of the tariff. But for now, the 50% rate on goods from India stand.
The industries that will be most impacted include automobiles, leather goods, food, jewelry, and most notably textiles and plastics. The printing industry prints on both textiles and plastics and utilizes imports from India for certain raw materials and services. For U.S. based digital print service providers reliant on India-sourced fibers, textiles, and plastics, plan on increased costs and extended lead times as suppliers recalibrate trade routes and production priorities. Printers should consider diversifying suppliers or locking in long-term contracts to mitigate disruptions.
Several categories of goods subject to existing Section 232 actions are excluded, including steel and aluminum, autos and auto parts, copper, pharmaceuticals and electronic goods and on products that are statutorily exempt from IEEPA actions, such as donations and informational materials.
View this White House Fact Sheet for additional details. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has issued guidance, which can be found here.
What It Means Going Forward
With the Federal Circuit casting doubt on the president’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, the trade environment remains in flux, adding another layer of complexity for printers navigating global supply chains. And with the approval of Kodak’s petition to subject aluminum lithographic printing plates to Section 232 tariffs at 50%, printers now face added costs, underscoring how quickly trade decisions can ripple through the industry.
The agreement with the EU provides U.S. manufacturers, including printing businesses, greater access to European markets, particularly for industrial goods. At the same time, the new 50% tariff on India signals that trade policy will continue to be closely linked to broader foreign policy goals.
In conclusion, the Alliance remains committed to working with policymakers to spur domestic manufacturing while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the printing industry. The Government Affairs team will continue to monitor and report on any developments so that your business can anticipate and plan for market changes accordingly.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the latest trade news. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.