US President Donald Trump raises global tariff to 15% after Supreme Court setback

In a dramatic escalation of his trade policy stance, US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced an increase in the proposed global tariff rate from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. The declaration came alongside sharp criticism of a recent US Supreme Court ruling that he described as “anti-American.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the revised tariff would take effect immediately. He argued that the move was designed to counter decades of what he termed unfair trade practices against the United States. Calling the higher rate “fully permitted and legally tested,” Trump said his administration would soon determine and issue additional legally permissible tariffs.

The new measure has been introduced under Section 122 of US trade law, a balance-of-payments provision that allows the president to impose tariffs up to 15 per cent for a period of 150 days. Any extension beyond that would require Congressional approval. Trump also indicated plans to use Section 301 to investigate countries accused of unfair trade conduct, potentially paving the way for further duties.

Supreme Court’s Verdict

The announcement follows a 6-3 ruling by the US Supreme Court, which held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president authority to impose sweeping, economy-wide tariffs. The majority stated that while the 1977 law allows regulation of certain financial transactions during emergencies, it does not authorise blanket trade duties. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.

Potential Impact

Trump’s decision to raise tariffs could heighten global trade tensions and trigger retaliatory measures from affected nations. As markets assess the implications, the move signals a renewed push for aggressive trade enforcement, potentially reshaping international commerce in the months ahead.