Trump Increases Global Tariffs to 15% Following Supreme Court Decision
US President Donald Trump has announced a sharp escalation in US trade policy, raising global tariffs to 15% just one day after a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States struck down his previous tariff measures.
The move increases the tariff rate from the 10% announced last Friday, when Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a rarely used provision that allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a period of 150 days. Under the law, Congress must take action if the tariffs are to remain in place beyond that timeframe.
The Supreme Court invalidated the earlier tariff policy in a 6-3 majority decision, prompting Trump to criticize the ruling as “ridiculous” and “extraordinarily anti-American.” The administration’s swift use of Section 122 signals a renewed push to maintain trade levies despite judicial opposition.
The decision has triggered political backlash in Washington. Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu argued that the president is reacting emotionally to the court’s decision and warned that the temporary tariffs would face further legal challenges. He stated that Democrats intend to block the measures once the 150-day window expires.
International reaction has also been immediate. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that the tariff hike injects fresh uncertainty into the global economy, raising concerns among US allies and trade partners. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom government indicated it expects to maintain its “privileged trading position” with the United States despite the broader tariff increase.
The latest development intensifies global trade tensions and sets up another potential legal and political battle over US tariff authority, with markets and trading partners closely monitoring the 150-day timeline set under federal trade law.
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