Trump to raise US global tariff to 15% after Supreme Court ruling
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump has increased US global tariffs from 10% to 15%, a move made shortly after the Supreme Court ruled his previous sweeping import levies unconstitutional. The court’s decision invalidated Trump’s use of emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, as only Congress holds the authority to tax. In response, Trump issued an executive order invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for temporary tariffs up to 150 days unless extended by Congress. This new measure bypasses the legal challenges faced under IEEPA and enables higher tariffs, with exemptions for critical minerals, metals, and energy products.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has left a significant financial burden on businesses. The US Treasury had collected over $133 billion in import taxes under Trump’s previous tariffs. Now, companies are filing lawsuits seeking refunds, but the process is complex and could take years to resolve, particularly for smaller firms. Experts warn that while these suits have legal merit, the administrative hurdles may delay payouts, causing financial strain on many businesses.
Trump has vowed to continue his aggressive tariff strategy, framing it as part of his “Making America Great Again” agenda. His administration plans to issue new tariffs permissible under different statutes, focusing on national security and fair trade practices. This approach reflects Trump’s broader use of tariffs to address domestic manufacturing, international trade disputes, and even geopolitical conflicts.
The legal battle over tariffs underscores a fundamental power struggle between the executive branch and Congress. By challenging Trump’s authority, the Supreme Court has set a precedent that limits presidential discretion in economic policy. Meanwhile, foreign governments are grappling with the implications of US trade actions, which have sparked global reactions and strained
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026