Donald Trump Raises Global Tariffs to 15% Despite Supreme Court Ruling

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday increased global import tariffs to 15 percent, a day after the Supreme Court struck down key elements of his trade policy.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the court’s ruling as “extraordinarily anti-American” and announced that his administration would raise import duties “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.” The move follows a 6–3 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that rejected his use of a 1977 economic emergency powers law to impose sweeping tariffs.

Immediately after Friday’s ruling, Trump had unveiled a 10 percent global levy using a different legal mechanism. Saturday’s announcement effectively increased that rate to 15 percent, the maximum permitted under the alternative authority cited by the White House. By law, the measure can remain in place for up to 150 days.

The ruling marked a rare setback for Trump at the Supreme Court, which has largely sided with him since his return to office 13 months ago. The president sharply criticised the six justices who formed the majority, accusing them of disloyalty and alleging undue foreign influence. He, however, praised conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh for supporting his authority.

The White House said exemptions would continue for sectors already under separate investigations, including pharmaceuticals, as well as goods covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. The court’s decision does not affect existing sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum and other products, and ongoing probes could lead to additional duties.

Business groups welcomed the clarity provided by the ruling, though uncertainty remains over how refunds would be handled if previously imposed tariffs are ultimately deemed unlawful. Justice Kavanaugh noted that any refund process could prove complicated.

International reaction has been cautious. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would consult with European partners to develop a coordinated response before travelling to Washington in early March. Several other governments said they are reviewing both the court’s decision and the new tariff measures.

At home, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged the president to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and end what he described as “chaotic tariffs,” warning of their impact on farmers and small businesses.

Financial markets responded modestly, with Wall Street shares edging higher after Friday’s ruling, which had largely been anticipated.

Trump’s latest move signals his determination to press ahead with an aggressive trade strategy, even as legal battles and diplomatic tensions continue to shape the global economic landscape.