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๐Ÿ“…February 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs, prompting swift pivot to alternative trade measures amid business uncertainty and economic slowdown.
1

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariffs Under Emergency Powers Law

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs on nearly every country under an emergency powers law (IEEPA).Source 1Source 3 Trump vowed to use alternative methods and immediately signed executive orders to impose a 10% temporary global tariff for 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.Source 5

2

Businesses Face New Wave of Uncertainty After Tariff Ruling

Following the Supreme Court decision, businesses across retail, tech, and agriculture sectors face renewed uncertainty about trade policy direction and potential relief.Source 3 The Business Roundtable urged the administration to limit tariffs to specific unfair trade practices and national security concerns.Source 3

3

Trump Administration Explores Alternative Tariff Mechanisms

The Trump administration is investigating ways to impose additional tariffs on countries accused of unfair trade practices while new tariff tools face potential legal challenges that could return to the Supreme Court.Source 1 Markets remain apprehensive as details on exemptions and exclusions remain unclear.Source 1

4

U.S. Stock Markets Rally Following Tariff Court Decision

U.S. stock indexes closed higher on Friday following the Supreme Court's tariff ruling, with the S&P 500 up 0.9% as markets responded positively to reduced immediate trade uncertainty.Source 4Source 6

5

U.S. Economic Growth Slows to 1.4% in Fourth Quarter

U.S. GDP growth decelerated sharply in Q4 2025 to an annual rate of 1.4% compared with 4.4% in Q3, primarily due to decreases in government spending and exports.Source 4 Business activity growth also slowed to a 10-month low in February according to purchasing managers' data.Source 4

6

Alphabet Plans to Double Capital Expenditure to $185 Billion

Alphabet revealed a staggering increase in infrastructure investments that will see it nearly double the $91.4 billion spent in the previous year, though the plans are keeping CEO Sundar Pichai concerned about execution.Source 2

7

China Raises Telecom VAT Rate Amid Economic Slowdown

China raised the value-added tax rate on telecommunication services to 9% from 6%, with major providers warning the increase could impact their revenue and profitability.Source 4 The move reflects authorities' efforts to adjust tax policy amid slower economic growth and deflationary pressure.Source 4

8

International Winemakers Express Skepticism Over Tariff Relief

Italian winemakers hard-hit by Trump's tariffs greeted the Supreme Court decision with skepticism, warning that the ruling may deepen uncertainty around U.S. trade relations rather than provide clear relief.Source 3

9

Pentagon Withdraws List of Chinese Companies Allegedly Aiding Military

The U.S. briefly updated and then withdrew a list of Chinese companies allegedly assisting Beijing's military, which included Alibaba, BYD, Baidu, and TP-Link.Source 4 Alibaba and Baidu rejected the designation, stating there is no credible basis for inclusion.Source 4

10

Technology Sector Seeks Stability After Tariff Disruptions

The Computer & Communications Industry Association, representing companies employing over 1.6 million people, expressed hope that the Supreme Court's decision will ease trade tensions and bring stability to trade policy.Source 3