Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would raise a temporary tariff on all U.S. imports from 10% to 15%, the highest level permitted under law, following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous tariff program. The court found that Trump had exceeded his authority when imposing elevated rates under an economic emergency statute, prompting an immediate 10% levy on Friday.
The new tariffs are based on Section 122, a rarely used and untested statute that allows duties up to 15% for a period of 150 days, after which congressional approval is required to extend them. No prior president has invoked Section 122, and trade experts warn that the approach could face legal challenges. Congressional aides expressed skepticism that the Republican-majority Congress would prolong the tariffs, particularly as public opinion increasingly links higher consumer prices to these duties.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump framed the increase as a corrective measure against countries he claimed were “ripping” off the United States for decades. The administration noted that certain exemptions apply to critical minerals, metals, and energy products. Analysts, including Wendy Cutler of the Asia Society, said the rapid adjustment underscored the unpredictability facing global trading partners and markets.
Trump also indicated plans to explore other “legally permissible” tariffs using separate statutes that target imports from specific countries or products based on national security or unfair trade practices. His trade representative, Jamieson Greer, emphasized that existing trade agreements must still be honored, meaning that exports from countries such as Malaysia and Cambodia would continue to be taxed at previously negotiated rates, even if they exceed 15%.
The ruling could temporarily benefit nations like Brazil, which has not negotiated a reduced tariff with Washington and might see its duties fall to 15% for the duration of the Section 122 period. Meanwhile, Trump’s approval rating on economic management has declined, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing only 34% of respondents approving of his performance, compared with 57% disapproving, adding further political pressure to his trade strategy.
