Donald Trump Raises Global Tariffs to 15 Percent in Response to Court Decision

President of the United States Donald Trump announced a radical tightening of trade policy, imposing a 15 percent tariff on almost all goods imported into the country. This step constitutes a firm and immediate response to Friday's ruling by the Supreme Court. The panel, by a vote of 6 to 3, annulled on February 20, 2026, his previous 10 percent tariffs originally introduced in April 2025. The judges ruled that the White House had exceeded its authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as a tool to impose taxes without congressional oversight. Initially, the American leader announced he would circumvent the ruling and reinstate a rate of around 10 percent based on other regulations. Ultimately, less than 24 hours later, he announced on social media the application of the maximum legally permissible ceiling of 15 percent, which takes effect immediately. Tariff Rates on Goods Imported to the USA: 2025 Tariff (annulled): 10, Initial Announcement: 10, Newly Imposed Tariff: 15 The Washington administration has regularly and systematically used protectionist tools since Donald Trump's first term (2017–2021). In the past, it imposed tariffs on, among other things, steel, aluminum, and a wide range of products from China, which permanently modified global supply chains and began a renaissance of state interventionism.This time, the US president reacted extremely sharply, publicly criticizing the American justice system. „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 The legal basis for the new administrative act is Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This option allows the head of state to act unilaterally to protect the allegedly threatened balance of payments. 150 dni — maximum duration of the tariff without the nation's consent The latest regulations have triggered immediate political reactions worldwide. The European Commission has publicly demanded official explanations from Washington, while governments of countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom have announced they are analyzing all scenarios and forms of assistance for their exporters. However, a key challenge for the US administration remains the issue of refunding the dizzyingly high amounts from the previously annulled tariffs, raised by businesses. Complex procedures and disputes before customs courts could potentially open the way to recovering illegally imposed fees. Analysts currently estimate the total exposure at nearly $133 billion, although some models had earlier calculated the theoretical refund burden to be as high as $175 billion. These payments will, however, strictly depend on the statute of limitations and the qualification of specific tranches of financial claims. The economic turmoil is accompanied by a growing reorientation of opinion. Some February research and polls in the United States recorded a level of public dissatisfaction reaching 60 percent, however, other measurements indicate lower, stable numbers, showing a strong base of support for the president.