Trump Is In 'Weaker Position' With China After Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs: Gordon Chang

Forbes Business

by ForbesTV, Forbes Staff

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports has left him in a weaker position when it comes to U.S.-China relations, according to Gordon Chang, an expert on U.S.-China relations. The ruling not only undermines Trump’s trade strategy but also raises questions about the effectiveness of using tariffs as a tool for negotiations with China. This decision could have significant implications for future trade policies and the balance of power between the two global economic giants. The tariffs in question were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the president to impose restrictions on imports deemed harmful to national security. However, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s justification based on national security was flawed, effectively striking down the tariffs. This move has been seen as a major setback for Trump’s approach to trade, particularly with China, and highlights the challenges of using tariffs as a primary tool in trade negotiations. Chang argues that this ruling weakens Trump’s leverage in dealing with China. The decision not only limits the president’s ability to impose tariffs but also sends a signal to Beijing that the U.S. is less willing or able to take强硬 actions against Chinese trade practices. This could embolden China to push for more favorable terms in future negotiations, particularly on issues like intellectual property rights and market access. From a business perspective, this ruling has important implications for U.S.-China relations and global trade dynamics. With the tariffs struck down, businesses may see changes in import prices and availability, as well as potential shifts in how the U.S. approaches trade agreements with China. The decision also sets a precedent for future judicial oversight of presidential trade decisions, which could have far-reaching consequences for international business and diplomacy. In summary, the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s tariffs has significantly weakened his position in U.S.-China relations, according to Gordon Chang. This decision not only limits the use of tariffs as a tool for negotiation but also signals a shift in the balance of power between the

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/20/2026