Supreme Court ruling against Trump's tariffs leaves Mexico in cautious wait-and-see mode - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Patrick J. McDonnell

February 21, 2026

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The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling invalidating key portions of President Trump’s tariffs has left Mexico in a state of cautious observation. Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, urged calm and prudence as officials evaluate the implications of the decision, which struck down Trump’s sweeping tariff policies imposed during his presidency. The ruling, particularly, invalidated tariffs targeting Mexico, China, and Canada over fentanyl trafficking. Ebrard emphasized the need for patience while monitoring Washington’s next moves, hinting at potential discussions with U.S. officials to address trade measures. The decision has sparked mixed reactions globally. European leaders expressed relief, viewing it as a win against arbitrary tariff practices. Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc highlighted the Supreme Court’s reinforcement of their stance that Trump-era tariffs were unjustified under international law. Mexico itself had previously managed to avoid a 25% levy on all imports during Trump’s tenure but has consistently opposed U.S. tariffs on vehicles, steel, and aluminum. The ruling also comes amid a significant trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, with nearly $1 trillion in annual two-way trade. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision could have broader implications for international trade policies. While Trump has hinted at exploring alternative legal avenues to reimpose tariffs, many view this as a step toward curbing arbitrary trade measures. The ruling aligns with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which was used by the Trump administration to justify these tariffs. Mexico’s cautious approach reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding how this decision will impact global trade dynamics. Additionally, the ruling coincides with an upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Scheduled for July, this review will assess the agreement’s effectiveness and future direction. The USMCA currently exempts 85% of Mexican exports to the U.S., maintaining a largely free-trade framework between the three nations. As global leaders digest the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling, it remains unclear how it will influence ongoing trade negotiations and international relations.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/21/2026