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In a rapid escalation of his trade agenda, President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he is raising the proposed global tariff rate to 15%, just one day after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his previous sweeping import taxes.
The move signals a defiant pivot by the administration after the High Court ruled 6-3 on Friday that the President had exceeded his executive authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad "Liberation Day" tariffs.
The "Plan B": Invoking Section 122
Hours after the court’s rebuke, Trump initially signed an executive order for a 10% global levy. However, by Saturday morning, he increased the rate to the legal maximum of 15% allowed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Legal Basis: Section 122 allows the President to address "fundamental international payments problems," specifically large balance-of-payments deficits.
Time Limit: Unlike his previous open-ended tariffs, these duties are strictly limited to 150 days unless specifically extended by an Act of Congress.
Effective Date: While the initial 10% rate was slated for February 24, Trump stated on social media that the new 15% hike is effective immediately.

Strategic Exemptions and National Security
To mitigate domestic fallout and maintain existing alliances, the White House confirmed several key carve-outs:
USMCA Partners: Goods from Canada and Mexico remain exempt under the terms of the North American trade pact.
Essential Goods: Specific agricultural products, energy, and pharmaceuticals are expected to be shielded to prevent immediate price spikes for American consumers.
Existing Duties: Sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium, and autos (imposed under Section 232) remain in full force as they were not impacted by the Supreme Court ruling.
A "Ridiculous" Ruling
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of the Supreme Court, labeling the decision "ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American". He expressed particular frustration with two of his own appointees who joined the majority opinion.
While the 150-day clock on Section 122 has begun, the administration has already directed the U.S. Trade Representative to launch new Section 301 investigations. These probes into "unfair trade practices" could provide a more permanent legal framework to replace the temporary 15% global rate before the 150-day window expires.
Economic Impact and Reactions
Early analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York suggests that nearly 90% of the cost of previous tariffs was borne by U.S. consumers and businesses. Critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, called the court's ruling a "victory for the wallets of every American" and urged the administration to end the trade war.

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