Barely 24 hours after announcing a 10% global tariff, Donald Trump reversed course and lifted the rate to 15%. In a post on Truth Social, he said the move followed a detailed review of the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of his tariff policy. Trump described the court’s decision as anti-American and emphasized that his administration would soon introduce a new, legally structured tariff framework to continue what he called its successful economic strategy.
The abrupt change has drawn attention because the White House had months to prepare for the possibility that the court might block earlier tariffs. Analysts say the sudden adjustment adds another layer of uncertainty for businesses and importers trying to plan ahead. At the same time, with the rate now set at 15%, the scope for short-term, impulsive tariff changes may be somewhat reduced.
Trump is invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to implement the new measure, which allows tariffs to remain in place for up to 150 days. According to the executive order, the tariffs will not take effect until February 24, creating a brief window that could lead to a temporary surge in imports before the higher duties are enforced. Economists suggest this may slightly distort short-term trade data, though the broader economic impact in February figures could remain limited.
A wide range of products has been exempted from the new tariff. These include critical minerals, metals used in currency and bullion, energy products, certain natural resources and fertilizers, selected agricultural goods such as beef, tomatoes, and oranges, pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, specific electronics, various vehicles and parts, aerospace products, and goods covered under trade agreements such as USMCA. These exemptions indicate an effort to shield sensitive sectors of the economy from immediate pressure.
Overall, the decision to raise the global tariff to 15% signals that the administration remains committed to a tough trade stance, even if the current legal framework is temporary. The move could reignite tensions with key trading partners and inject fresh uncertainty into global trade flows at a time when markets are already navigating a complex economic landscape.
