Trump raises global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court setback

Sunday 22 February 2026 - 11:30

By: Sahili Aya

Trump raises global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court setback

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he is increasing newly introduced global tariffs from 10% to 15%, with immediate effect, following a major ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that curtailed parts of his trade policy.

In a statement published on his social media platform, Trump said the revised tariff level reflects the “maximum authority” available to him under existing law. He described the court’s decision as “ridiculous” and “extraordinarily anti-American,” arguing that his administration retains the power to act decisively on trade matters.

The Supreme Court ruled by a six-to-three majority that the president could not rely on a 1977 emergency economic powers law to justify sweeping tariff measures without clear authorization from Congress. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the executive branch must demonstrate explicit congressional approval when imposing broad trade duties.

Despite the ruling, the White House confirmed that the new 15% tariff would apply to countries or economic blocs that have trade agreements with Washington, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Sectoral exemptions remain in place for certain industries, including pharmaceuticals, and for goods traded under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The decision has prompted cautious reactions from U.S. trading partners. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention, emphasizing the importance of institutional checks and balances in democratic systems. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a coordinated European response, stressing that trade policy falls under the competence of the European Union.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged Washington to treat all nations equally, warning against renewed geopolitical divisions and advocating for multilateral dialogue.

Legal analysts note that the ruling could open the door to refund claims from companies that have already paid billions of dollars in tariffs. According to estimates, duties collected under the contested measures surpassed $130 billion in 2025. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued that the court did not clarify how potential reimbursements should be handled.

The tariffs primarily targeted countries with which the United States runs trade deficits in goods. The administration has also framed the measures as a way to generate federal revenue to offset planned tax reductions.