In a decision issued Feb. 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The Court vacated and remanded the judgment in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, consolidated with Trump v. V.O.S. Selections.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the administration’s reading of IEEPA could not support tariffs, noting the statute contains no reference to “tariffs or duties” and that no previous President had interpreted IEEPA to confer that authority.

In its analysis of the decision, SCOTUSblog reported that the Court did not decide whether or how refunds should be issued for tariffs already paid, leaving the issue for future proceedings. Reuters similarly noted uncertainty around refunds and broader trade impacts following the ruling.

Sources:

https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/learning-resources-inc-v-trump/

https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/02/supreme-court-strikes-down-tariffs/

This ruling is part of a broader wave of trade and policy shifts shaping regulatory and compliance planning across the paint and coatings supply chain.