Donald Trump announces hike in US global tariff rate from 10% to 15%
Donald Trump terms court ruling against tariffs extraordinary anti American decision
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is increasing tariffs on goods imported into the United States from 10% to 15%, effective immediately. This move comes a day after the U.S. Supreme Court largely struck down his previous tariff program, ruling that the president cannot unilaterally impose sweeping duties on imports.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Friday’s Supreme Court decision as “extraordinarily anti-American” and criticized individual justices for what he deemed an overreach. He asserted that, following a thorough review of the ruling, his administration was raising tariffs to the “fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”
This announcement marks a continuation of Trump’s aggressive trade policies, which have been a hallmark of his economic approach. Since taking office in 2017, Trump had sought to leverage tariffs as a tool to protect U.S. industries and address trade imbalances, particularly with countries like China, the European Union members, and Mexico. His administration has previously imposed duties on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of imported goods, sparking what many economists have called a “global trade war” that has disrupted international markets.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday focused on the limits of presidential authority, stating that Trump overstepped by attempting to set tariffs without explicit congressional approval. Despite this setback, Trump responded with defiance. On Friday itself, he announced an immediate 10% tariff on imports from all countries on top of existing tariffs, followed by a proclamation putting these levies into effect.
Legally, the president has the authority under certain trade laws to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a period of 150 days. However, these new measures are likely to face legal challenges from trade partners and domestic businesses affected by the higher costs of imported goods. Analysts warn that an escalation of tariffs could exacerbate global supply chain disruptions and fuel inflationary pressures in the United States.
Trade experts also note that Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy has had mixed results in the past. While some U.S. manufacturers benefited from reduced foreign competition, consumers faced higher prices on everyday goods ranging from electronics to clothing. Moreover, global allies have occasionally retaliated with their own tariffs, intensifying trade tensions.
Trump’s decision to raise tariffs in defiance of the Supreme Court underscores his continued focus on a confrontational trade agenda, signaling potential new friction with both the judiciary and international trading partners.