Trump ups tariff for US imports to 15% in response to Supreme Court decision

President Donald Trump said he would impose a 15% global tariff on US imports after the Supreme Court overturned his administration's country-specific tariffs, he wrote in a Feb. 21 social media post.

The 15% tariff represents the maximum rate a president can impose under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes temporary tariffs for 150 days. Trump had pledged a 10% tariff on Feb. 20.

"During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump signed a proclamation implementing the 10% global tariff on Feb. 20. The order included exemptions for critical minerals, metals used in energy production, currency and bullion, certain natural resources, some agricultural products, selected electronics, passenger vehicles and USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico.

The tariff would not stack on top of Section 232 tariffs, which include 50% rates on steel, aluminum and copper imports, according to the proclamation. The tariff is scheduled to take effect Feb. 24.

Trump has not yet signed a proclamation raising the tariff rate to 15% as of Feb. 23.

On Feb. 20, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump had exceeded presidential authority when imposing duties on products from most US trading partners. Trump called the decision “deeply disappointing.”

Businesses that paid duties under the unconstitutional tariffs will likely be due a refund.

Trump also referenced other legal authorities his administration could use to impose tariffs, including investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 targeting "unfair trading practices."