U.S. officials announced a hike to a temporary global import tariff, raising the rate to 15% from the 10% level that had been set earlier in the week. The change was announced after a recent Supreme Court decision struck down parts of the administration's previous tariff program.
The administration said the 15% duty takes effect immediately. Under existing trade law, this interim measure could stay in place for as long as 150 days. Officials indicated the tariff is intended as a stopgap while they develop and implement replacement duties that meet the legal standards identified by the court.
The court ruling addressed duties that had been applied under an economic emergency framework. In response, the administration said it will move to put in place tariffs that comply with the court's legal requirements. At the same time, the higher temporary levy will apply in addition to tariffs that are already on the books.
In a message posted on Truth Social, the President said: "I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff... to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level." The post also included a remark that many countries had been "ripping" the U.S. off for decades.
Officials acknowledged that the interim increase could face legal challenges, and that the administration will use the period of the temporary tariff while it works to establish new, legally defensible trade measures. The administration characterized the 15% rate as the fully allowed and legally tested ceiling for this temporary worldwide tariff.
The temporary levy supplements existing tariffs already in effect. Beyond the immediate change in percentage, authorities have emphasized the procedural goal of ensuring any new tariffs conform to the legal framework signaled by the Supreme Court's decision.
Key context - The increase follows a judicial finding against portions of an earlier tariff program. The administration plans to rely on the temporary measure during a transition to new tariffs that meet the court's standards. The higher rate can remain in place for up to 150 days and may be subject to further legal review.