U.S. President Donald Trump announced an increase in the global tariff rate from 10 to 15 percent. This decision came just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated previous tariffs imposed in 2025 as illegal. The White House's new move is based on balance-of-payments protection provisions, sparking opposition from the European Union and concern in Asian markets, including India.

Tariff increase to 15 percent

Donald Trump raised the global tariff rate from the announced 10 to 15 percent, which is the maximum ceiling provided for in the Trade Act of 1974.

Invalidation of previous tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 2025 tariffs were unlawfully imposed, opening the way for companies to recover billions in overpayments.

European Union protest

The European Commission is demanding explanations from Washington, claiming that the new U.S. moves threaten the stability of transatlantic trade and the 2025 agreements.

India suspends negotiations

Due to uncertainty regarding U.S. tariff policy, the government in New Delhi postponed signing a new trade agreement with Washington.

The U.S. administration has sharply escalated its trade policy course following a severe legal defeat. On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 vote that tariffs imposed in 2025 under the IEEPA were unlawful. The justices argued that the president lacks constitutional authority to impose taxes unilaterally without explicit congressional approval. In response to this ruling, Donald Trump first announced a return to a 10 percent rate, only to ultimately declare an increase to 15 percent, citing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Evolution of U.S. Tariff Rates (February 2026): Invalidated tariff (IEEPA): 10, Initially announced new rate: 10, Finally announced rate: 15 Trade relations between the U.S. and Europe have been tense since 2018, when the first Trump administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum. Since then, both sides have repeatedly resorted to retaliatory measures, leading to a deep reform of global supply chains under the banner of protecting domestic industry.The new decision triggered an immediate international reaction. The European Commission formally demanded explanations, emphasizing that Washington's current actions violate the "balanced trade" agreements reached in August 2025. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is soon to visit the U.S., announced the development of a common, firm EU position. Meanwhile, India decided to postpone a key trade meeting in Washington, citing extreme legal uncertainty. U.S. technology giants like Apple and Alphabet hope for refunds of billions in previously collected tariffs, though the new 15 percent rate may bring additional burdens. 130 mld USD — total amount of tariffs U.S. companies may seek refunds for Legal experts point out that the new legal basis chosen by the president – Section 122 – is intended to address a balance-of-payments crisis and allows tariffs for only 150 days. Since the U.S. is not currently in a payments collapse, the legality of this move will likely be challenged again. Nevertheless, the Trump administration declares that the tariffs take effect immediately, which investors interpret as an attempt to forcefully impose new trade terms on foreign partners. „Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday... I will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff to 15%.” — Donald Trump

Mentioned People

  • Donald Trump — President of the United States, author of new tariff decrees.
  • Friedrich Merz — Chancellor of Germany, announced a joint EU response to tariffs.
  • Christine Lagarde — Head of the ECB, warned of a threat to economic balance.