Trump’s Tariffs Go Into Effect at 10 Percent, Not 15

NYT Homepage

by Ana Swanson

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump’s announcement of a 15 percent tariff on most global imports was overshadowed when the tariffs actually went into effect at 10 percent. The change caught executives and foreign leaders off guard, adding to the confusion following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, which struck down several of Trump’s previous tariffs. In response, Trump quickly declared a new 10 percent tariff globally but later increased the rate to 15 percent in a social media post over the weekend. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection clarified that the 10 percent rate would be implemented as of midnight Tuesday, with exemptions for specific industries like textiles and tropical fruit. The decision to stick with a 10 percent tariff leaves the average U.S. import tax slightly lower than before the Supreme Court’s ruling. According to economist Stephen Brown of Capital Economics, this means imports will face a less significant increase compared to earlier expectations. However, the situation remains fluid, as Trump administration trade investigations into unfair practices could lead to additional tariffs in the future. This unexpected shift highlights the ongoing uncertainty in global trade policies under Trump. While the 10 percent rate provides some relief for importing countries like Brazil and China, it also underscores the unpredictability of U.S. trade actions. The situation is particularly important for businesses and markets, as it reflects the potential volatility in international trade relations and economic planning. The tariffs’ implementation at 10 percent instead of 15 percent signals a recalibration of Trump’s approach to global trade. This decision may provide breathing room for certain industries while leaving others vulnerable to future trade restrictions.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026