Trump Admin Launches Hearings on Trade Probes for Tariffs

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has launched hearings this week on two trade investigations expected to justify new, more durable tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down broad import levies in February and temporary replacements near expiration.

On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act by imposing double-digit tariffs on imports from nearly every country. Those measures, which generated $166 billion in revenue before being halted, required refunds to importers who paid them. The decision ended what had been projected as $1.6 trillion in collections over the next decade.

Two days after the ruling, the administration imposed 10 percent tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits global levies up to 15 percent for 150 days. Those tariffs, set to expire on July 24, have not been raised to the maximum rate. Congress could extend them, but officials show little interest amid voter concerns over rising prices ahead of November's midterm elections.

To sustain revenue and address trade concerns, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative initiated...