Trump says he will increase his new global tariffs to 15%

February 22, 2026

Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous tariffs as unlawful, President Trump announced he will impose a new 15% global tariff on most imported goods using a 1977 trade law that allows temporary tariffs without congressional approval for approximately five months. The Supreme Court had ruled 6-3 that Trump exceeded his authority when implementing sweeping tariffs under emergency economic powers, after the US had already collected at least $130 billion through those levies. The ruling creates uncertainty for countries like the UK and Australia that had negotiated 10% tariff agreements, and opens possibilities for businesses to seek refunds on previously paid tariffs.

Who is affected

US businesses and consumers who must pay the 15% tariff on imports
American importers, including over 200,000 small business importers
Countries with negotiated trade deals with the US, specifically the UK and Australia
US manufacturing workers and steel fabrication plants
American soybean farmers and the National Black Farmers Association
The European Union and its pending trade deal with the US
Companies and trade groups that paid tariffs under the now-struck-down policy
Sectors exempted from the 15% tariff: critical minerals, metals, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, lumber, automotive parts, and aerospace

What action is being taken

President Trump is imposing a new 15% global tariff using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act
Companies and trade groups are vowing to seek reimbursements for unlawfully collected tariffs
Senator Maria Cantwell has written a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting information about refund plans
The National Retail Federation is urging courts to ensure a seamless refund process
German MEP Bernd Lange is calling for a pause in the European Parliament International Trade Committee's vote on the EU-US trade deal

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant constitutional check on presidential power, with the Supreme Court limiting the executive branch's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs under emergency laws. The decision has major economic implications as it affects over $130 billion already collected in tariffs and creates uncertainty for international trade relationships and bilateral agreements. The tariff policy directly impacts US economic growth, with the trade deficit reaching $1.2 trillion despite tariffs intended to reduce it, while businesses face increased costs that typically get passed to consumers. The legal and political battle over tariff refunds could influence upcoming midterm elections and reshape how future administrations approach trade policy.

What's next

The 15% tariffs are scheduled to come into force on Tuesday, February 24 (though confirmation is pending from the White House)
The European Parliament International Trade Committee is due to vote on the EU-US trade deal on Tuesday
Courts will decide whether to issue refunds for the unlawfully collected tariffs
The Trump administration must seek congressional approval for the Section 122 tariffs after approximately five months
Legal battles over tariff refunds are expected, which Trump claims could take years

Read full article from source: BBC