Donald Trump has escalated his global trade offensive, raising tariffs on imports from all countries to 15 percent, less than 24 hours after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down his earlier sweeping duties.
The increase, from the 10 percent rate he had announced on Friday, will be imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — a provision that has never previously been used. The law allows the president to levy tariffs of up to 15 percent for 150 days without prior congressional approval. Beyond that period, legislative clearance is required.
The move follows the Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling that Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing last year’s across-the-board tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act without congressional consent. The judgment dealt a major blow to what had become a central pillar of his economic agenda.
Trump reacted sharply to the verdict, criticising the majority of justices and accusing them of undermining national interests. He signalled that his administration would use alternative legal routes to sustain and reframe the tariff regime during the 150-day window, promising a fresh set of “legally permissible” duties.
While Trump said the 15 percent tariff would take effect immediately, the White House has not clarified the exact implementation timeline. An earlier fact sheet had indicated that the 10 percent levy would begin on February 24.
Certain products will be exempt, including critical minerals, select metals and pharmaceuticals. Goods compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement from Canada and Mexico will also be spared. However, separate sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium, lumber and automobiles remain untouched, as they were imposed under a different statute.
The policy shift has triggered unease among key US allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that prolonged tariff uncertainty was damaging both European and American economies, while French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of judicial checks and reciprocity in trade.
Business groups in the US and Europe have expressed concern that higher duties will raise costs for companies and consumers and slow global growth. Official data show the US has already collected at least $130 billion under the earlier tariff framework, though studies indicate that about 90 percent of the burden has been borne domestically.
Despite the court setback, Trump appears determined to press ahead, setting the stage for fresh legal and political battles over US trade policy.