Tariff Talk: Game, Set, but Not Yet Match
🎾 The Tariff Tiebreaker: Supreme Court Calls the Point, but Appeals Court Keeps the Ball in Play
Antique importers scored a major point in the Supreme Court yesterday, with tariffs declared unconstitutional. But the game isn’t over yet—Trump’s request has been approved to keep tariffs in place during the appeal, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch.
It’s a bit like thinking you’ve won the match, only for your opponent to challenge the call and keep the rally alive. Except instead of blistering forehands and grueling volleys, we’re dealing with legal filings and tariff appeals.
I wasn’t joking yesterday when I said to pop the popcorn. We’re watching this tariff ball get slammed back and forth across the court.
Yesterday, I about this same time of the day I posted on instagram with Lily Allen´s famous song in overplay about the Supreme Court’s ruling that the tariffs were unconstitutional. Today, it’s 5 a.m. on my side of the pond, and the U.S. Court of Appeals has stepped in, granting the Trump administration’s request to keep the tariffs in place while the case winds through appeals.
📜 What exactly happened?
The Court of Appeals issued what’s known as a stay—a temporary order that allows the tariffs to remain in effect until the case completes the full appeals process. This doesn’t overturn the lower court’s decision but essentially pauses its impact. For now, importers must continue paying tariffs while the legal battle continues.
Advantage? Still unclear—but antique dealers should keep their eyes on the ball. And if we win? Oh, you better be ready to legally pursue refunds on every tariff you’ve paid.
Now, here’s the important part of today’s message—I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “I will not live in fear.”
One of my personal tenets for success—whether in business or in life—is that when faced with a problem, I get curious. I face it head-on. Getting curious helps ease anxiety by shifting focus from anxious feelings to exploring the situation. By asking questions and seeking understanding, you move away from reactive, avoidant behaviors and toward proactive, adaptive solutions.
So if you’re an antiques dealer feeling rattled by all this Tariff Talk—hmm, now there’s a great name for a newsletter—get curious. Learn more. Fear paralyzes you. Fear keeps you stuck and helpless. And in a moment like this, you need to stay flexible. Go get a massage. Do some yoga. Take a walk. Stay informed but do not - I repeat do not - go into new junkie overload.
For now, importers must stay poised. This game isn’t over, and with the Appeals Court keeping tariffs in place, the next set promises to be just as tense. Time to stay sharp and ready for the next serve.
💡 Stay Informed, Stay Ahead:
Want to keep up with every twist and turn of this tariff battle? Subscribe to The Business of Antiques Substack for real-time updates, strategic insights, and expert commentary. And don’t forget—Founding Members of our Substack get exclusive access to bonus content, including private webinars, actionable trade advice, and a direct line to the best international sourcing tips. (Uhm… that would be a free consulting call with me, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co.)
🎾 Let’s make sure you’re not just playing the game—but winning it.
XOXO, Forever,
Toma
Toma Clark Haines, CEO - The Antiques Diva & Co
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