Trump raises global tariffs to 15%

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 — President Donald Trump said he would raise a worldwide import tariff to 15%, expanding a temporary levy announced after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier tariff program, a move expected to ripple across global trade and pricing, Reuters reported.

The new rate is being imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows a temporary surcharge for up to 150 days unless Congress approves an extension; the White House had said the initial 10% would begin Feb. 24, while Trump said the 15% is effective immediately, according to CNBC.

Legal reset after court ruling

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs, keeping the power to levy taxes with Congress, Reuters wrote.

The decision leaves unresolved how refunds for previously collected tariffs would work and drew sharp dissents, while businesses are already lining up in lower courts to seek repayments, the Associated Press reported.

Markets and policy uncertainty

Analysts warn the abrupt shift in rates adds uncertainty for importers and exporters, even as the new blanket rate could reduce duties on some partners compared with earlier, higher country-specific tariffs, according to NBC News.

The White House said some products including critical minerals, metals and energy products are exempt from the Section 122 tariffs, adding another layer of complexity for supply chains, Reuters reported.

What comes next

The administration plans to pursue additional tariffs under other statutes, including accelerated Section 301 investigations into major trading partners, according to NBC News.

Allies are weighing the implications; the UK said it expects to retain a privileged trading position with the U.S., while German officials warned about uncertainty for the global economy, the BBC reported.

With the 150-day clock running, lawmakers will face pressure from businesses and consumers as they decide whether to extend the tariff authority, making the next few months pivotal for trade policy and pricing, according to CNBC.

How we report: We select the day’s most important stories, confirm facts across multiple reputable sources, and avoid anonymous sourcing. Our goal is clear, balanced coverage you can trust—because transparency and verification matter for informed readers.