Supreme Court Ruling Overturns Trump-Era Tariffs, New Global Tariff Announced

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the President authority to impose tariffs, effectively invalidating major tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, including nationwide “reciprocal” tariffs announced in April 2025.

Graham Rigby, President and CEO of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), welcomed the ruling, noting its significance for the natural products industry. “The Supreme Court’s decision provides tariff relief for many goods, including imported unavailable natural resources and specialized manufacturing equipment for which AHPA has consistently sought common sense treatment since last spring,” Rigby said.

The decision particularly impacts the dietary supplement and natural products sectors, which rely heavily on imported ingredients and specialized equipment. Many AHPA members had faced increased costs due to these tariffs, costs that were often passed on to consumers.

“While we await clarity on refunds for duties already paid by our members and the wider industry, AHPA remains committed to advocating for trade policies that support American businesses and ensure continued consumer access to safe, well-regulated dietary supplements and natural products,” Rigby added.

However, following the Supreme Court’s decision, President Trump announced a new global 10% tariff issued under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. This alternative legal authority appears designed to bypass the limitations identified in the Court’s ruling. The new tariff is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on February 24, 2026, applying to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption.

The President subsequently stated on social media that he intends to increase this tariff further to 15%, though details of timing and implementation remain unclear. The rapid shift in trade policy has created uncertainty for importers across industries, including natural products manufacturers.

AHPA has advised its members to review the scope of the new tariff and obtain appropriate legal advice regarding applicability to their specific products. The association is updating its Tariff Toolkit to reflect these latest developments and provide guidance.

Supplement Industry Responds to Regulatory Criticism

In other industry news, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has issued a response to a recent New York Times article questioning the safety and necessity of dietary supplements. The article claimed that “many of the supplements people take are unnecessary…and can even be risky,” citing concerns about contaminants, excessive nutrient levels, and potential interactions with medications.

CRN countered by highlighting the regulatory framework governing dietary supplements in the U.S., which the NYT article largely overlooked. “All supplement manufacturers are required to operate under FDA-enforced current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), which necessitate identity testing, purity standards, and quality controls,” the trade group explained.

The organization emphasized that the vast majority of Americans who use supplements do so safely and responsibly, often following label directions or healthcare provider advice. According to CRN, risk management is best addressed through education and transparency rather than “broad dismissal of an entire category.”

This exchange underscores ongoing tensions between the supplement industry and mainstream media over how supplement regulation and safety are portrayed to consumers. In response, CRN has increased its efforts to combat misinformation, regularly posting fact-checks and providing additional context on LinkedIn to clarify messaging in mainstream media.

Industry Leaders Emphasize Mentorship

Meanwhile, industry leaders are highlighting the importance of mentorship in professional development. Karen Howard, CEO/Executive Director at Organic and Natural Health Association and Board Member of Women in Nutraceuticals, recently promoted Amy Summers’ book, “LIFT: 10 Mentorship Touchpoints to Empower Your Team and Accelerate Your Career.”

Howard emphasized that mentorship roles are often unrecognized, noting, “If you think you are NOT a mentor, you are likely wrong.” She described the book as “a must, must read, with lessons for everyone in the workplace,” adding that “being a good human being who cares about the people we work for, with, and serve, is essential in our industry.”

The focus on mentorship reflects a growing recognition within the natural products industry of the importance of leadership development and knowledge transfer as the sector continues to mature and navigate complex regulatory and market challenges.