The White House escalated its trade policy on Saturday, raising a planned universal tariff on imports into the United States to 15 percent a day after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a major portion of Donald Trump’s earlier tariff program.
The move follows a 6–3 decision issued Feb. 20 in which the court ruled that many tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 were unlawful. The justices determined the emergency powers statute could not be used as a basis for certain import duties, invalidating a large share of tariffs collected under that authority.
Rather than retreat, the administration shifted to different legal tools that remain available to a president. Trump said the ruling narrowed one pathway but left others open and confirmed that tariffs tied to national security and unfair trade practices would remain active.
“Therefore, effective immediately, all national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 Tariffs remain fully in place and in full force and effect,” he said. “Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 — over and above our normal tariffs already being charged. We’re also initiating several Section 301 and other investigations to protect our country from unfair trading practices of other countries and companies.”
Hours later, the administration raised that planned global duty to 15 percent. In a message posted online, Trump said the higher rate followed a review of what he called an “extraordinarily anti-American decision” by the court and would move tariffs “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”
The universal levy would apply to imports from nearly all trading partners and, under federal law, can remain in place for 150 days. It would sit on top of existing duties already applied to specific products and countries.
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The ruling did not disturb other tariff authorities. Duties on steel, aluminum, copper, vehicles and auto parts imposed under national security provisions and trade enforcement statutes remain intact, and federal investigations currently underway could lead to additional sector-specific tariffs.
Certain imports will still be exempt. Goods traded under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement and sectors under separate review, including pharmaceuticals, are not covered by the new measure, according to a White House fact sheet. Officials also indicated that countries negotiating separate trade arrangements with Washington would still face the global levy.
The financial implications remain uncertain. Companies that paid the invalidated tariffs may seek refunds, and estimates suggest repayments could approach $170 billion, representing more than half the revenue collected under the emergency tariff program. The Supreme Court did not address how such reimbursements would be handled. Trump acknowledged the matter could take years to resolve, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing separately, suggested the process could become complicated.
Financial markets reacted cautiously. U.S. stocks rose modestly after the decision, which investors had largely anticipated. Business groups welcomed legal clarity, with the National Retail Federation saying the ruling provided “much-needed certainty” for companies managing supply chains affected by shifting tariff levels.
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The broader effects extend beyond the United States. A universal tariff raises costs for American importers and consumers while also affecting exporters across Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Previous rounds of tariffs during Trump’s presidency prompted retaliatory measures from China and the European Union, particularly targeting U.S. agricultural exports and industrial goods.
Trump, however, defended the policy, maintaining tariffs would strengthen domestic manufacturing and encourage companies to relocate production to the United States. He also sharply criticized several justices who joined the majority opinion while praising those who supported broader executive authority.
Attention now shifts from the courtroom to implementation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expected to issue guidance to importers once the executive order is formally filed in the Federal Register, after which the new duties can begin to be collected at ports of entry. Trade lawyers say companies are likely to challenge the measure soon after enforcement begins, with cases expected to be filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade while federal agencies proceed with additional tariff investigations.