US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will raise a temporary, across-the-board tariff on US imports from 10% to 15%, the highest level allowed under current law, following a setback at the Supreme Court of the United States.
The move comes a day after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s previous tariff programme, ruling that he had exceeded his authority by imposing higher duties under an economic emergency law. In response, Trump initially imposed a 10% universal tariff on Friday, before deciding to raise it further within 24 hours.
The new tariffs are being imposed under Section 122 of US trade law, an untested provision that allows the president to levy tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days. Any extension beyond that period would require approval from Congress. No previous US president has used Section 122, and legal experts warn it could face fresh court challenges.
Trade specialists and congressional aides are doubtful that Congress—despite being controlled by Republicans—will approve an extension, particularly as public concern grows over rising prices. Recent polls suggest more Americans are blaming tariffs for inflation.
In a social media post, Trump said he would use the 150-day window to prepare additional “legally permissible” tariffs. His administration plans to rely on other trade laws that allow duties on specific products or countries following national security or unfair trade investigations.
The White House said the Section 122 tariffs include exemptions for certain goods, such as critical minerals, metals, and energy products.
Former senior US trade official Wendy Cutler said Trump’s rapid policy shift highlights growing uncertainty for US trading partners. Trump has continued to defend his authority on tariffs and has publicly criticised individual Supreme Court justices.
The president has frequently used tariffs—or threats of them—to pressure countries into trade agreements. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said countries that already negotiated higher tariff rates with Washington must continue to honor those deals. As a result, exports from countries such as Malaysia and Cambodia will remain taxed at 19%, above the new universal rate.
However, the ruling could benefit countries like Brazil, which had faced tariffs as high as 40%. Its rate could now fall to 15%, at least temporarily.
Meanwhile, Trump’s public approval on economic management has weakened. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 34% approval and 57% disapproval, reflecting growing voter unease over tariffs and rising costs.
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