Rail shipper groups react to Supreme Court tariff decision

The U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 20 struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs as unconstitutional in a 6-3 ruling, invalidating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to bypass congressional approval of tariff policies. 

The ruling also calls for refunds of collected tariffs. The president later that day issued an executive order bypassing Congress to implement a 150-day temporary 10% global tariff on many imports. Trump also said he will raise those tariffs to 15%, but no executive order has been made to reflect that change as of today. 

Some groups representing rail shippers issued statements on the Supreme Court ruling. Following is a sampling of those statements.

The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) welcomed the decision and called for increased transparency in future U.S. trade decisions.

"While NITL appreciates the [Trump] administration’s efforts to lower the deficit, and bring manufacturing back to the United States, for American shippers, sudden tariff actions can ripple across the entire supply chain," NITL officials said. "Trade policy works best when it is developed through an open process that includes Congress, regulators, and the businesses responsible for moving freight." 

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) similarly backed the ruling and called for more clarity and stability, while supporting the administration's broader goal to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. 

"Manufacturers rely on stability to plan investments, grow operations and create jobs," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, and Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret in a joint statement. "If tariffs are utilized as a tool, they should be targeted to countries engaged in specific unfair trade practices, particularly by nonmarket economies."

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) also expressed support for the Supreme Court ruling and more transparent decision-making processes on Capitol Hill.

"We are confident in [U.S.] Customs and Border Protection's ability to move quickly and provide clear guidance to American businesses on how to obtain refunds for tariffs that were unlawfully collected," said AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) urged the administration to find non-tariff solutions  to trade disputes.

"America’s farmers understand the president’s efforts to use tariffs to create a more level playing field for U.S. goods, U.S. workers and the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, trade disruptions and declining prices for agricultural goods created additional hardships for farmers who came into 2025 already dealing with crippling inflation and declining farm prices," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall in a statement. "America’s farmers and ranchers need stability to ensure families across America can put food on their tables."