US President Donald Trump raises worldwide import tariffs to 15% on Saturday, swiftly responding to Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that struck down his emergency powers under IEEPA.
Tariff Shock Unfolds
President Donald Trump, the current US leader, announced on Saturday via Truth Social that he is increasing global tariffs on imports from 10% to 15%, effective immediately. This move comes just one day after the US Supreme Court delivered a major 6-3 ruling on Friday, invalidating many of his sweeping tariffs imposed using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court found that Trump overstepped executive authority by using emergency powers for broad trade tariffs not tied to genuine national crises.
The initial 10% tariff was enacted Friday evening as a workaround executive order, limited to 150 days without congressional approval. Markets reacted with volatility, but stocks surged post-ruling, signaling relief from prior tariff burdens.
Tariff Trigger Unveiled
Trump’s escalation stems from his long-standing “America First” trade policy, aiming to protect US industries from what he calls decades of unfair foreign practices. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that IEEPA does not authorize unlimited presidential tariffs, as Congress holds constitutional power over trade duties. Justices Gorsuch and Barrett joined liberals in the majority, dissenting from Trump appointees Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh. For in-depth report read here.
To bypass the ruling, Trump issued a temporary executive order for the 10% baseline, now hiked to 15% after what he deems a “thorough review.” This “legally permissible” approach avoids IEEPA but pressures Congress for permanence, amid over $130 billion already collected from prior tariffs.
Explosive Tariff Statements
Trump posted on Truth Social: “Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday by the Supreme Court, please let this statement of contemplation be known, that as President of the United States I will, effective ripping U.S. off for 10 World decades without retribution (until I came along), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”
He added: “During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again. Thank you for your attention to this GREAT NEWS!”
Chief Justice Roberts wrote: “The president claims extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs without limit on amount, duration, and scope.”
The Hidden Tariff Backstory
Trump’s tariff strategy echoes his first term, where he used IEEPA unprecedentedly for trade wars, generating $129 billion by December 2025. No prior president applied IEEPA to tariffs, leading to lower court blocks and this Supreme Court showdown. The ruling marks a rare second-term setback at the conservative court, which backed Trump on immigration and spending cuts.
Globally, this affects partners like India, China, and the EU, potentially hiking US consumer prices and inflation while boosting domestic manufacturing. Businesses challenging tariffs warned of unchecked presidential taxing power. Trump’s defiance underscores his economic nationalism amid 2026 reelection buzz.
In a contrasting trade development, Bangladesh has secured a major win with the US, slashing tariffs by 19% on key garments and granting zero duty on select RMG exports. This deal highlights selective exemptions amid Trump’s broader global tariff hikes, boosting bilateral textile trade ties.
More Related News: Bangladesh Secures 19% US Tariff Cut, Zero Duty on Select RMG in Major Trade Win
Tariff Showdown Ahead
The administration plans new “legally permissible” tariffs within months, likely seeking congressional buy-in to extend beyond 150 days. Expect legal challenges, market swings, and trade negotiations. International retaliation looms, with impacts on global supply chains and US exports—watch for White House updates and congressional action.