Trump raises global tariff rate to 15%, but crypto markets are unfazed

CoinTelegraph

by Vince Quill

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

US President Donald Trump has escalated his tariff strategy by raising the global tariff rate from 10% to 15%, effective immediately. This move comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized the court’s decision and emphasized his intention to continue pursuing alternative legal avenues to enforce trade measures. The President announced the 10% tariff increase on Friday, which was later raised to 15%, targeting imports under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974. These statutes allow Trump to bypass the IEEPA restrictions while still asserting his authority to levy tariffs. However, critics argue that his ability to impose these tariffs remains limited due to ongoing legal challenges and the narrow scope of the alternative laws he is using. Despite the increased tariffs, crypto markets have remained largely unfazed. This lack of reaction highlights the growing separation between traditional trade policies and the digital asset sector. Crypto enthusiasts and investors are focused on broader market trends, regulatory developments, and technological advancements rather than the immediate impact of tariff changes. For readers interested in crypto, this story underscores the importance of understanding how global economic policies intersect with emerging markets like cryptocurrency. While Trump’s tariffs primarily target traditional trade channels, the crypto community continues to operate independently, driven by its unique ecosystem and decentralized principles. This separation suggests that crypto markets may be less susceptible to conventional trade policy fluctuations. In a broader context, Trump’s tariff strategy reflects his administration’s ongoing efforts to assert US economic dominance on the global stage. However, legal challenges and shifting international dynamics may limit the long-term effectiveness of these measures. As the situation evolves, crypto investors should remain attuned to how global trade policies might indirectly influence digital asset markets through broader economic shifts.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/21/2026