Trump to Raise Global US Import Tariff to 15% After SC Ruling

WASHINGTON -UNS: US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will raise a temporary tariff on imports from all countries from 10% to 15%, the maximum level permitted under a separate trade statute, following a ruling by the US Supreme Court that struck down his previous tariff programme.
Trump announced a 10% across-the-board tariff on Friday after the court ruled he had exceeded his authority by imposing higher duties under an economic emergency law. The new measure will instead rely on Section 122 of US trade law, which allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, after which congressional approval is required for any extension.
Section 122 has never before been used by a US president and is expected to face further legal scrutiny. Trade experts and congressional aides expressed doubt that Congress would extend the measure, citing opinion polls showing growing public concern that tariffs are contributing to higher consumer prices.
In a social media post, Trump said he would use the 150-day window to pursue other “legally permissible” tariffs under statutes that allow duties on specific products or countries based on national security risks or unfair trade practices.
The White House said the Section 122 tariffs will exempt certain goods, including critical minerals, metals and energy products.
Wendy Cutler, a former senior US trade official now with the Asia Society, said Trump’s rapid shift in policy underscored the uncertainty faced by US trading partners.
Trump has used tariffs, or the threat of them, as leverage to secure trade agreements. His trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said countries must continue to honour existing deals, even if their agreed tariff rates exceed the new universal 15% level. Exports from countries such as Malaysia and Cambodia would remain subject to negotiated rates of 19%, he said.
The ruling could temporarily benefit countries like Brazil, which has not reached a deal with Washington and could see its tariff rate fall from 40% to 15%.
Trump’s approval rating on economic management has declined during his first year in office, with 34% approving and 57% disapproving, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.