US President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase his global tariffs to 15%, escalating his ongoing battle with the Supreme Court over trade policy.
Speaking on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said the new tariffs would replace the 10% levy previously announced for all imported goods. The move comes after the Supreme Court struck down the bulk of his prior tariffs in a 6-3 decision, ruling that he had exceeded his authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The president described the court's ruling as a “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision” and defended his policy as essential for reducing the US trade deficit. Last week, the deficit hit roughly $1.2 trillion, a 2.1% increase from 2024.
Details of the New Tariff Plan
The 15% tariff is being implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a little-used provision that allows temporary trade measures for up to five months without immediate congressional approval. Certain critical imports, such as minerals, metals, and pharmaceuticals, are expected to be exempted.
The original 10% tariffs were scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, February 24, but it is unclear whether the 15% rate will be implemented on the same date. The White House has not yet clarified this timeline.
While the Supreme Court ruling affects the president’s global tariffs, existing levies on steel, aluminum, lumber, and automotive parts—introduced under separate legislation—remain in effect.
Global and Domestic Reactions
The announcement has triggered concern among trading partners, including the UK and Australia, who had negotiated 10% tariff arrangements with the US. A UK government spokesperson emphasized that the nation expects its preferential trade agreements to continue, while UK trade groups warned the new tariffs could harm both US and global economic growth.
Within the US, reactions are mixed. Drew Greenblatt, owner of a Baltimore steel fabrication plant, said the Supreme Court’s decision was a setback for American manufacturing jobs. Conversely, John Boyd, a Virginia soybean farmer, called the ruling “a huge win” for farmers and a loss for Trump’s agenda.
Allie Renison, a former UK government trade adviser, noted that the patchwork of tariffs under Trump’s administration has made trade "much messier," creating uncertainty for businesses navigating import costs.
Legal and Economic Implications
The Supreme Court ruling also opens the possibility for businesses and consumers to seek refunds for tariffs collected under IEEPA, although Trump has indicated that any reimbursement could involve prolonged legal battles. Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the US Chamber of Commerce, stressed that quick refunds would benefit over 200,000 small business importers and support stronger economic growth.
Meanwhile, US lawmakers are debating the next steps. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has requested detailed plans from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on how the administration will reimburse affected businesses, while Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) suggested that tariff refunds could energize the economy ahead of the November midterm elections.
As the 15% tariffs await implementation, the move marks a bold escalation in Trump’s trade strategy and sets the stage for potential clashes with both Congress and international trading partners. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.
