Sullivan
Microsoft has discontinued support for Internet Explorer. To access the Sullivan website, please install a modern browser like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Nicholas O’Donnell was quoted in the article “Art trade adjusting after US Supreme Court struck down Trump’s extreme tariffs,” published by The Art Newspaper on May 1, 2026. The article explores how the art market is responding to ongoing uncertainty following the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down Trump's tariffs (Feb. 20, 2026), which ruled that certain tariffs imposed under emergency powers were unconstitutional.

Any clarity from that decision was short-lived, as new tariffs of up to 15% were introduced the same day under a different legal authority. As a result, dealers, collectors and businesses are still navigating a shifting and unpredictable trade environment.

Nick noted the impact on market activity, particularly for non-exempt decorative art objects: “Many dealers made the decision not to sell things in the US.” He also addressed pricing pressures, explaining that “sellers are absorbing the costs of the tariffs and passing them on to buyers.” While the 15% tariff remains significant, he added, “Fifteen percent is a number, after all, and you can plan around it.”