US will not back out of its tariff deals with UK and others, says Trump trade representative
The Guardian World
by Lisa O’CarrollFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold existing tariff agreements with key global partners, including the UK, EU, Japan, and Switzerland, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed many of President Donald Trump's tariffs illegal. In response, Trump announced a new 15% global tariff on all imports, a move that has raised concerns about escalating trade tensions and its potential impact on international relations. This decision comes as the UK and other nations grapple with uncertainty over how these new levies will affect their exports to the U.S.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Supreme Court's ruling invalidated several of Trump's previously imposed tariffs, leaving the administration in a precarious position. While the U.S. has vowed not to retreat from its existing trade deals, the introduction of sweeping new tariffs signals a continuation of the administration's protectionist stance. This could lead to increased economic unpredictability for businesses and consumers worldwide, as well as potential retaliation from other countries.
Analysts suggest that this ongoing trade war could undermine Trump's efforts to secure significant U.S. interest rate cuts, which he had hoped would bolster the economy. The broader implications of these developments are far-reaching, with global markets and international relations hanging in the balance. As the U.S. pushes forward with its new tariffs, the world watches closely to see how this will unfold and what it means for global trade dynamics.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026