Trump Quietly Prepares “Plan B” for Additional Tariffs

As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether to rule Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” policy invalid, foreign media reports have recently indicated that the Trump administration has secretly formulated a backup plan to alter its tariff tool strategy in the event of an adverse court decision.

The Trump Administration Is Exploring “Plan B”

According to a report by Securities Times Online, a U.S. official familiar with the relevant planning revealed that both the U.S.

Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have explored options for “Plan B,” which would be activated if the court invalidates the administration’s tariff policy.

These backup plans will be based on Sections 301 and 122 of the U.S. Trade Act, which grant the president unilateral authority to impose tariffs.

Enacted in 1974, the U.S. Trade Act’s Section 301 authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate “unreasonable or unjustifiable trade practices” of other countries and recommend unilateral sanctions to the president. Section 122, on the other hand, empowers the president to impose tariffs of up to 15%, but only for a maximum duration of 150 days.

Consequently, while backup plans exist, these two statutory provisions impose limitations—they often have either short durations or limited effectiveness and may still face further legal challenges.

Trump’s Determination on Tariffs

Publicly, Trump remains hopeful of achieving a complete victory on the “reciprocal tariffs” issue. He has repeatedly urged U.S. justices to uphold his tariff policy, claiming these tariffs are “based on U.S. national conditions” and imposed on the grounds of an economic emergency.

However, the administration’s move to prepare backup plans is likely the latest signal that it anticipates a potential unfavorable outcome. Earlier, during oral arguments this month, the U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism about Trump’s global tariff policy.

These measures also demonstrate Trump’s firm resolve to implement tariff policies, including through untested means. A government official disclosed that tariffs will remain a central component of Trump’s economic agenda regardless of the court’s ruling.

“We’re waiting for the decision. We hope it’s a good one, but if not, we’ll find a way, you know, we’ll find a way,” Trump stated last Wednesday.

The White House declined to comment on the specific details of its preparations but acknowledged that it is indeed seeking “new approaches” to sustain Trump’s trade policies.

Notably, the White House has recently adjusted the scope of application for the “reciprocal tariffs,” excluding agricultural products such as coffee, bananas, beef, tea, spices, tomatoes, avocados, coconuts, oranges, and pineapples from the list of additional tariffs under Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” order. The updated tariff exemption list and potential adjustment list for “allied partners” took effect at 00:00 on November 13.