Donald Trump’s signature policy of arbitrarily imposing tariffs on countries was thrown into disarray when the federal US Court of International Trade decided that he did not have the power to issue the duties under the economic-emergency law that he has cited. Its ruling does not apply to tariffs imposed under different laws, such as on steel and cars. The White House criticised the court, saying “It is not for unelected judges to decide” how to respond to an emergency. It will appeal against the finding. Before the decision Mr Trump suspended a threat to impose 50% tariffs on the European Union and extended a deadline for a trade deal to July 9th.