Business - EU hits pause on trade deal with US, Trump warns countries not to 'play games' after Supreme Court ruling
France 24
by Yuka ROYERFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated former President Donald Trump’s so-called “liberation day” tariffs has triggered a series of reactions from world leaders and international organizations. Trump, who continues to assert influence over American trade policy, has warned other countries not to “play games” with the court’s decision, emphasizing adherence to recently finalized trade agreements. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has opted to pause ratification of its trade deal with the US, signaling a cautious approach while waiting for further clarification on the implications of the ruling.
The EU’s decision to hold off on ratifying the agreement reflects its desire to avoid potential legal or political complications stemming from the Supreme Court’s decision. This move highlights the ongoing tension between the US and its trading partners over trade policy and tariffs. Trump, who has long advocated for a tough approach on trade, remains vocal in his stance, asserting that countries should uphold previously agreed deals despite the court’s ruling.
In a related development, Panama’s government took control of key ports along the Panama Canal from a Hong Kong-based company after its highest court annulled the firm’s operating concessions. This action underscores the fragility of international business operations and the potential for sudden shifts in diplomatic relations. The seizure of the ports is seen as an assertion of national sovereignty by Panama, which had previously allowed foreign companies to manage critical infrastructure.
The broader implications of these events point to a fragile state of international trade relations. The US Supreme Court’s ruling has thrown Trump-era trade policies into uncertainty, while the EU’s cautious response and Panama’s actions demonstrate how global economic ties can be affected by domestic legal decisions and geopolitical dynamics. For countries engaged in international trade, this
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/23/2026