Trump’s 15% global tariffs & US Supreme Court ruling: How India, China & other major economies are reacting to the new trade dynamics
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump’s recent announcement of 15% global tariffs has sparked significant global economic uncertainty. Following the US Supreme Court’s ruling, which invalidated Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, the President escalated trade tensions by increasing tariffs from 10% to 15%. This move, based on Section 122, a largely untested legal provision, has left major trading partners recalculating their strategies and reassessing the implications of these changes. While countries like China, Brazil, and India saw reductions in tariffs due to the court’s decision, overall levels remain high, leaving significant economic stakes at play.
For India, the Supreme Court ruling has created a pause in trade negotiations with the US. The Modi government decided to defer a planned delegation trip to Washington, DC, which was intended to finalize an interim trade agreement framework. Officials expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariffs and the need to reassess the situation before proceeding further. Some within the Indian government have suggested exploring whether the court’s ruling offers any flexibility for negotiating more favorable terms.
China has also taken a firm stance against Trump’s tariffs, calling them “unilateral” and harmful to international trade norms. The Chinese commerce ministry criticized the US for breaching domestic law and urged Washington to remove the measures. China emphasized its commitment to protecting its interests while closely monitoring developments in the global trade landscape.
Europe, meanwhile, has reiterated its commitment to honoring existing trade agreements with the US. The European Commission warned that Trump’s actions risk undermining the objective of achieving fair and balanced trade relations. The European Central Bank also expressed concern over ongoing US policy turbulence, cautioning that unclear trade policies could disrupt business environments globally.
These developments highlight
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026