By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump announced a rise in the United States’ global tariff rate from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, even after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down much of his earlier tariff program as unlawful.
The court ruling last week found that Trump lacked the authority to impose broad import levies under emergency powers legislation — a judgement that triggered widespread debate about executive reach in trade policy.
Despite this setback, Trump swiftly responded by invoking an alternative legal mechanism that allows the president to set temporary levies of up to 15 per cent without direct congressional approval. In a social media post, he described the Supreme Court’s decision as “ridiculous” and “anti-American”, and said upping tariffs was necessary to counter decades of what he called “unfair trade practices”.
The new tariff applies to imports from all trading partners and is set to take effect within days. Some exemptions — for essential minerals, electronics, pharmaceuticals and certain agricultural products — have been flagged in early statements about implementation.
European officials have reacted sharply, with the European Union declaring that “a deal is a deal” and urging Washington to honor existing trade agreements rather than unilaterally escalate duties.
Business groups in both the US and abroad have warned the higher tariff could drive up prices for consumers and disrupt global supply chains. Financial markets have responded with volatility as investors weigh the implications for economic growth and international trade.
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