Last Updated: 23rd Feb, 2026
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US Court ruling may slow things temporarily. But what we gather from global articles is that Trump still has multiple legal tools to bring tariffs back. He can rebuild the tariff wall step by step (“brick by brick”).
Section 338 – Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930)
▪️Allows very high tariffs if a country “discriminates” against US commerce.
▪️Never used before.
Section 232 – Trade Expansion Act (1962)
▪️Targets specific goods (from any country) in name of national security.
▪️Already used on Steel, Aluminium, Semiconductors.
▪️Requires investigation before imposing tariffs.
Section 301 – Trade Act (1974)
▪️Used in Trump’s first term against China.
▪️Can target countries accused of unfair trade practices.
▪️Requires formal investigation process.
Section 122 – Trade Act (1974)
▪️Allows tariffs up to 15%.
▪️Can be imposed for up to 150 days.
▪️Used for balance-of-payments issues.
▪️Faster, but temporary.
These tools are less flexible than blanket tariffs.
Process is slower, but legally stronger.
About the Author
Amar K Ambani is Executive Director at YES SECURITIES
