US President Donald Trump announced he will increase a temporary tariff on imports from all countries from 10% to 15%, the maximum allowed under law, following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his earlier emergency tariffs.
The court found that the president had exceeded his authority when he imposed a series of higher rates under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Within 24 hours, Mr Trump implemented a new set of duties under Section 122, a separate and largely untested law that permits tariffs of up to 15% but requires congressional approval for extensions beyond 150 days. No president has previously used Section 122, and experts warn it could face legal challenges.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump called the Supreme Court decision “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American.” He said the new tariffs would take effect immediately, adding that “many countries have been ripping the US off for decades, without retribution,” and that the 15% rate reflects the “fully allowed, and legally tested” maximum.
White House officials clarified that exemptions remain for certain sectors, including pharmaceuticals and products entering under the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
The move has prompted concern among international trading partners and US businesses. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris noted that the “full consequences” of the Supreme Court ruling are still emerging and warned that the renewed tariffs introduce “a significant degree of uncertainty” for investors, traders, and those engaged in international commerce. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee will engage with European counterparts to assess the impact.
The tariffs have also reignited domestic political debate. Governors of Democratic-leaning states have demanded compensation for households affected by the duties. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called for nearly $9 billion in refunds for his state’s residents, citing higher consumer prices and disrupted trade. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the tariffs as an “illegal cash grab” and demanded that any revenue collected be returned with interest. Both governors are considered potential contenders for the 2028 presidential election.
Trump’s tariffs, first announced in April last year, have generated over $130 billion from importers, much of which has been passed to consumers through higher prices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed skepticism that ordinary Americans will see direct compensation, while the Penn-Wharton Budget Model estimates potential refunds could total $175 billion. Mr Trump himself acknowledged that any repayment process could take years.
The Supreme Court ruling drew commentary from several figures. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, appointed by Mr Trump, noted that the decision “says nothing about whether, and if so how, the government should go about returning the billions of dollars” collected. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the tariffs as “an unlawful backdoor tax on hardworking families, farmers, and small businesses.”
The new levies mark a major development in US trade policy, adding uncertainty for global markets as the country navigates the legal and economic fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision.
