October 6, 2025

"Beyond IEEPA: The US Administration’s ‘toolbox’ for further tariff measures"

1. What Happened

On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceed presidential authority. Lower courts have already ruled that President Trump overstepped by using IEEPA to justify blanket tariffs on multiple countries. The Administration has stated that tariffs will remain central to its trade policy regardless of the outcome, signaling potential reliance on other statutes—Sections 232, 301, 201, and 122—to continue tariff actions.

2. Who’s Affected

All import-dependent sectors face risk from expanded tariff powers, including manufacturing, consumer goods, metals, and technology. The toy and hobby industries, which rely heavily on imports from China, Mexico, and Europe, are among those vulnerable to continued or restructured tariffs.

3. Why It Matters

Even if the IEEPA tariffs are struck down, the Administration can still impose trade restrictions under alternate authorities. This means that tariff exposure for toy and hobby imports is unlikely to diminish. Multiple pending investigations under Section 232 and 301 could introduce new duties on materials, electronics, or components used in hobby products.

4. What’s Next

A Supreme Court decision is expected by year’s end. In parallel, the Administration continues Section 232 investigations into industrial inputs, robotics, and consumer goods. Several countries are negotiating “framework agreements” to limit tariff exposure—arrangements that may serve as partial exemptions for key trading partners.

5. What It Means for Hobby Companies

Hobby manufacturers and distributors should anticipate continuing tariff volatility through 2026. Even if the IEEPA tariffs are invalidated, new measures under Sections 232 or 301 could replace them. Companies should maintain supplier diversification plans and monitor developments around framework agreements, which may offer limited relief to specific countries or industries.

Source:

Lexology, “Beyond IEEPA: The US Administration’s ‘toolbox’ for further tariff measures,” October 6, 2025.

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