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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Saturday, 21/2, that he will increase the global tariff on imports to 15%. The decision came less than 24 hours after the Supreme Court overturned part of the previous tariffs and comes through a new legal basis
According to the White House, the tariff will now affect trade partners with trade agreements, such as the United Kingdom, India, and the European Union, under the same legal basis. The new tariffs were scheduled to begin on February 24, at 12:01 AM (Eastern Time), with possible economic or strategic exemptions. Critics warn of price increases and risks to global activity, while Trump maintains that the taxes strengthen domestic industry and jobs.
The shift comes after the decision on 20/2 by the U.S. Supreme Court, by 6 to 3, which pointed to excessive authority of the president in using the IEEPA of 1977 to create broad revenue tariffs. The Court left open the possibility of a refund of about US$ 130 billion to affected companies, a topic that may go to the international trade court.
Hours after the ruling, Trump said that he would replace the overturned measures with a global tariff. He issued a proclamation based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, initially at 10%, and then announced the increase to 15% on Saturday.
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What Changed With The Announcement on February 21
The government shifted the tariff policy to Section 122, which allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, requiring subsequent action from the United States Congress. According to G1, Trump decided to go to the maximum rate with the increase to 15%, covering nearly all imports.
A White House official told BBC that countries with trade agreements will also be subject to the global tariff under Section 122, and not to previously negotiated rates. The government indicates that there will be specific exceptions for economic or strategic reasons.
What The Supreme Court Overturned And What Remains In Effect
The decision on 20/2 only affects tariffs created under the IEEPA, used by Trump to react to alleged emergencies, such as the fentanyl trafficking involving China, Mexico, and Canada in February 2025. Months later, on the so-called Liberation Day, tariffs between 10% and 50% were imposed on almost all countries, under the argument that the trade deficit constituted an “extraordinary and unusual threat.”
The Court stated that it is up to the Congress to create taxes and that the IEEPA does not serve to increase revenue. Tariffs not linked to the IEEPA, such as those on steel, aluminum, wood, and automobiles, remain in effect, based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, justified by national security reasons.
The New Legal Bases And The Next 150 Days
In addition to Section 122, the White House is considering the use of Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the USTR, currently Jamieson Greer, to investigate “discriminatory” or “unfair” practices and impose new tariffs. The government may also proceed with measures under Section 232. According to the Cato Institute, Section 122 does not prevent the president from allowing the tariff to expire after 150 days and then declaring a new emergency to re-establish it.
The Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, stated that the combination of tariffs should keep revenue virtually unchanged in 2026, compensating for the loss of revenue based on the IEEPA. For the American administration, Section 122 will be used to address “fundamental international payment issues” and rebalance trade.
Refunds And Fiscal Impact
One open point is the potential refund of about US$ 130 billion collected in tariffs deemed illegal. The Supreme Court did not decide on refunds, and Trump stated that the matter could be stuck in courts for years. Bessent also predicts delays, with a conclusion in the international trade court.
Experts cited by G1 say that if there is a refund, large companies are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries. Alex Jacquez from the Groundwork Collective told CBS that more than 1,000 companies had already requested refunds before the ruling and that the number is expected to grow. The governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, advocated for a check of US$ 1,700 per American family due to the tariffs considered illegal.
Who Pays The Bill, Effects On Prices And Import Chains
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, calculated as a percentage of the product value. A 10% tariff on an item priced at US$ 10 adds US$ 1 to the cost, which can be passed on to the consumer or absorbed by the importer. With 15%, the risk of price increases and adjustments in supply chains rises, according to economists interviewed by international media.
Trump claims that tariffs encourage production and investment in the U.S. and reduce the trade deficit. Critics, however, warn of consumer inflation, potential retaliation, and loss of global dynamism. According to G1, the list of strategic exemptions should ease pressures in sensitive sectors, but details have yet to be disclosed.
The announcement of a global tariff of 15% reignites the dispute among the White House, Supreme Court, and Congress, with direct impacts on the wallets of businesses and consumers. What do you think about this tariff shift, necessary to protect industry or a shot in the foot that could raise prices and stall trade? Leave your opinion in the comments and contribute to the debate.
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