President Donald Trump has increased the United States’ global import tariff to 15 percent, escalating his trade offensive just a day after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a major pillar of his tariff regime.
The move follows Friday’s court ruling, which invalidated Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping country-specific duties. In immediate response to the 6–3 decision, Trump had announced a new 10 percent global levy under a different legal pathway.
On Saturday, he went further — raising the rate to what he described on Truth Social as the “fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”
From 10% to 15% in 24 hours
The latest hike effectively supersedes the 10 percent global tariff unveiled hours after the court decision. According to the White House, the 15 percent duty is temporary and can remain in place for up to 150 days under existing trade statutes.
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Exemptions remain for sectors already under separate federal investigations, including pharmaceuticals, as well as goods covered by the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
Trading partners that previously negotiated tariff arrangements with Washington are also subject to the new global rate, a White House factsheet indicated.
Court rebuke and political fallout
The Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA does not grant the president authority to impose tariffs, stating that the law makes no reference to duties. The decision marked Trump’s most significant legal setback since returning to office 13 months ago, despite the court generally siding with him on executive power issues.
In reaction, Trump launched sharp criticism at the majority justices and accused them of being influenced by foreign interests. He, however, praised the three conservative justices who supported his position — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh — commending their “strength and wisdom.”
Markets steady, uncertainty persists
Despite the political drama, Wall Street shares rose modestly following Friday’s ruling, which analysts said had been largely anticipated.
Business groups, including the National Retail Federation, welcomed the decision for providing clarity to companies navigating months of shifting tariff levels.
The court’s ruling does not affect existing sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium and other goods, nor does it halt ongoing federal probes that could result in further industry-based levies.
During court proceedings, the administration said companies would receive refunds if tariffs were deemed unlawful. However, the ruling did not address refunds directly. Trump signalled those legal battles over repayments could stretch for years, while Justice Kavanaugh warned that any refund process could prove a “mess.”
Saturday’s escalation to 15 percent is expected to deepen global trade uncertainty, as Washington presses ahead with a policy that has reshaped tariff schedules for allies and rivals alike over the past year.
