Trump raises US global tariffs to 15% after adverse Supreme Court ruling

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will raise global import tariffs to 15%, in a new escalation of his trade policy, just a day after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that much of his tariff program lacks a legal basis.

In a message posted on Truth Social, the president said that, after a "complete review" of the high court's decision—which he described as "extraordinarily anti-American"—his administration will increase the tariffs "to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level."

Initially, after learning of the court ruling on Friday, Trump had announced a 10% tariff. The new rate, according to a briefing sheet from the White House, will be temporary in nature and in effect for 150 days.

Attempted legal reframing

The decision comes after the conservative-majority Supreme Court ruled by six votes to three that the 1977 law invoked by Trump to impose unilateral tariffs on different countries "does not authorize the President to impose tariffs" of that type.

The ruling represents so far the most forceful setback to the trade strategy of the Republican leader, who over the past year has set, modified or revoked multiple tariffs on trading partners and rivals, generating volatility in international markets.

The new global tariff seems to seek a different legal fit than previous levies. Trump further advanced that in the coming months his administration will explore alternative ways to impose tariffs that are "legally permissible."

Scope and exceptions

According to the White House, the 15% tariff will not apply to certain sectors that are under separate trade investigations, such as pharmaceuticals. Exemptions also remain in place for goods entering the United States under the trade deal with Canada and Mexico.

On Friday, the administration had already warned that even countries that reached bilateral tariff agreements with Washington would be subject to the new global levy.