By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Saturday raised the global tariffs to 15% from the 10 per cent he had announced shortly after the Supreme Court ruled down his reciprocal tariffs as unconstitutional.
He said his administration will determine the issue over the next few months and issue the new and legally permissible tariffs.
“Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been “ripping” the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level,” he said in a post on X.
He stated that his administration will further determine the issue over the next few months and issue the new and legally permissible tariffs.
“During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!,” he added.
US Supreme Court delivered a huge setback to the Trump administration as it struck down the tariffs imposed by the US President on several countries, including India.
US Supreme Court in its 6-3 verdict held that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Trump on several countries, including India, are unconstitutional.
The court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority when he invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose these tariffs.
Trump criticized the ruling and slammed the 6 judges, including the 3 appointed by the Republican presidents, who delivered the judgment.
He invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to announced 10% tariffs on all countries, media reported.
Media reported that the rarely used section empowers the US President to impose up to 15% tariffs for 150 days.
Trump in a post on Truth Social said the increase followed “a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday” by the Supreme Court.
“I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ‘ripping’ the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level,” he wrote.
The 15% levy is being imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a provision that allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15 per cent for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.
Media noted that Section 122 has never before been used for tariffs and must apply universally to all imports rather than target individual countries.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., wrote for the majority, held that the president could not “impose tariffs on imports from any country, of any product, at any rate, for any amount of time” under that statute, according to The Washington Post.
Trump reacted sharply. “The Supreme Court’s Ruling on TARIFFS is deeply disappointing!” he posted. “I am ashamed of certain Members of the Court for not having the Courage to do what is right for our Country.” He also thanked Justices Thomas, Alito and Kavanaugh for their “Strength, Wisdom, and Love.”
Media reports noted that the flat rate would now apply to exports from all countries, regardless of prior trade concessions.
Supreme Court’s decision invalidated tariffs that had generated more than $130 billion in import taxes, raising questions about potential refunds and adding fresh uncertainty for companies and foreign governments.
Media reported that goods already subject to national security tariffs including steel and automobiles — would not face the additional 15% levy.
US administration is expected to explore Section 301 and Section 232 authorities to impose more durable, country-specific or sectoral tariffs, though such measures require investigations that can take months in a long term.
Media reports stated that governments that had made concessions under earlier tariff pressure may now reassess their positions as Washington recalibrates its legal footing.
The ruling marks a significant judicial check on presidential trade powers.
Trump’s swift pivot to a new legal mechanism underscored his determination to keep tariffs at the centre of US economic and geopolitical strategy.
