US Court Deems Trump Tariffs Illegal

US Court Deems Trump Tariffs Illegal – What It Means for Vinyl Buyers, Sellers & Discogs

Alright, crate diggers and music lovers, stop the press!

Or should we say, stop the pressings? I mean it.

We’ve got a major update in the international vinyl tariff saga that’s been haunting our mailboxes.

Remember the anxiety about those sweeping tariffs on vinyl record shipping to the US?

In a stunning legal blow, a federal appeals court has just ruled that President Trump had "no legal right" to impose them.

But before you go on your global record shopping spree, there’s a catch. Let’s break down what this blockbuster ruling means for you.

The Headline: Tariffs Ruled "Unlawful"

On Friday, August 30th, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit dropped a needle on this case. They found that Trump "overstepped his authority," largely upholding an earlier decision from a New York trade court.

US court rules many of Trump's global tariffs are illegal 

The judges wrote a line that will be music to the ears of importers: “It seems unlikely that Congress intended to … grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs.”

This is a huge victory for the countless small businesses and consumers who argued the tariffs were causing "uncertainty and harm."

The Crucial "But..." – Don't Celebrate Just Yet

Here’s where the plot thickens, like a limited-edition 180-gram vinyl.

The court did not immediately strike down the tariffs. Instead, they’ve given the Trump administration until mid-October to appeal to the Supreme Court.

President Trump has already vowed to do exactly that, claiming on his social media platform that letting the ruling stand “would literally destroy the United States of America.”

The Court said that only Congress had the authority to apply such a sweeping measure

So, what we have is a legal limbo.

The tariffs are still technically in effect pending a potential Supreme Court battle, but they’ve been declared illegal by a powerful appeals court.

What This Means for the Global Vinyl Trade Right Now

This ruling changes everything and nothing, all at once. Here’s your reality check:

1. The Discogs Exemption is Now on Stronger Ground: Remember Discogs' excellent article from August 27th, 2025 - CLICK HERE - DISCOGS LASTEST ARTICLE ON USA TARIFFS   , which clarified that "Informational Materials" like vinyl should be exempt. This court ruling massively reinforces that position. Customs agencies now have to enforce a tariff regime that a federal court has just called illegal. This gives you an even more solid footing to argue against any charges.

2. The "Bureaucratic Labyrinth" is Still a Maze: However, the practical reality we outlined remains unchanged... for now. Overworked customs agents and automated systems are still processing packages under the current rules. The burden of proof is still on YOU, the seller and buyer. A mistake on a customs form could still lead to delays, invoices, and a nightmare dispute process.

3. The Shipping Chaos Might Continue: Many national postal services that paused shipments to the US due to the confusion are unlikely to restart them immediately. They will likely wait for a final, definitive resolution from the Supreme Court. So, the de facto barrier to international sales remains for many sellers.

Your Updated Action Plan: Caution & Hope

For Sellers:

• Continue to Be Meticulous: Until the Supreme Court makes a final decision, the rules are still technically in place. Keep using the exact phrasing “Informational Materials: phonograph (vinyl) record” and double-check those HS codes.

• Consider Your Risk: This positive ruling might give you more confidence to continue US sales, but the risk of delays and paperwork errors persists. The choice is still yours.

For Buyers:

• A Dose of Optimism: You can now shop with more hope that common sense will ultimately prevail. The threat of long-term, widespread tariffs has significantly diminished.

• Keep Your Eyes Open: The same warnings apply. Be aware that you could still receive an invoice due to an error, and understand the financial risk of the dispute process.

For Discogs (We’re still talking to you, and we hope to help you with solutions!):
This ruling doesn’t change our call to action. Your community still needs tools. Now is the perfect time to leverage this news.

• Automate Compliance: Build those features that auto-populate customs forms with the correct "Informational Material" declaration.

• Lobby with New Ammo: Use this court decision as powerful evidence to lobby customs agencies for clearer, simpler guidance and to get postal services to resume shipping.

The Bottom Line: The Tide is Turning

The music vibe has changed dramatically.

The threat of permanent, lawful tariffs has been dealt a potentially fatal blow. While we’re not quite at the final track yet, we’re moving into a much more hopeful movement.

The global rhythm of music sharing hasn't been silenced. For now, stay vigilant, stay informed, and as always...

Go put on a record.

This time, you might just feel a little more optimistic about the future of your collection.

You may want to read the previous articles that we have written on this subject.

See below:

1.  Brexit Vinyl Hangover

2.  Trade deals and Discogs

3.  How Discogs can protect Vinyl buyers and Sellers

4.  Could Trump's tariffs reshape the Vinyl music industry?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal or financial advice. The situation is fluid and subject to change. We recommend staying updated through official news sources and government announcements.

Please  CONTACT ME  here if you want to discuss anything mentioned in this article.

DJ Mistri and the Electric Soul Show © www.electricsoulshow.com