Trump Announces 15 Percent Universal Tariff Following Supreme Court Ruling

United States President Donald Trump raised a broad import tariff to 15 percent on Saturday. The increase came one day after the US Supreme Court rejected an earlier Trump tariff framework. The rapid change added uncertainty for markets and trade planning. Companies and overseas governments reviewed how refunds might apply to billions already paid.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the 15 percent rate was "effective immediately". Trump also criticised the ruling as "ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti-American,". The decision altered Trump’s approach to trade policy and tax powers. Traders then watched for details on implementation and possible exemptions.

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump could not set tariffs alone. The court said the US Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes. The judgment removed Trump’s emergency tariffs on almost all countries. Those duties had relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Within hours, Trump used another legal route and signed a new executive order. At a news conference, Trump called the majority justices "fools and lapdogs" and an "embarrassment to their families." Trump based the new order on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. That path first set a 10 percent universal tariff.

Trump then increased that universal rate to 15 percent on Saturday. Section 122 limits tariffs to 15 percent, which set a legal ceiling. The law also limits how long the measure can run. The tariff can stay for 150 days unless Congress extends it. Lawyers said Section 122 had not been used this broadly before.

Over the weekend, it was unclear if the White House would issue a revised order for 15 percent. Reuters reported that exemptions would apply. These included critical minerals, select metals, and certain energy-related goods. The unusual legal approach also raised the chance of new court challenges. Importers still lacked clear timelines.

Trump tariffs and trade deals with countries

The ruling also complicated recent tariff arrangements with the US. Diamond said refunds in the US may not settle duties written into bilateral deals. Countries were also weighing near-term costs against any later repayments. Key country positions and commitments are listed below, based on the latest terms described.

Country	Deal position and tariff details	Other commitments
Taiwan	General tariff cut from 20 percent to 15 percent	Taipei agreed to buy around $85 billion of US energy, aircraft and equipment
United Kingdom	Most goods at 10 percent; car, steel and aluminium duties reduced	Changes formed part of a broader agreement
Malaysia and Cambodia	Exports still face 19 percent under negotiated agreements	Rate stayed above the new universal level
Brazil	No deal; earlier tariff was 40 percent	Could see a temporary drop to 15 percent after the ruling

The shift from an emergency tariff model to Section 122 left open legal and practical questions. Businesses assessed import costs under a 15 percent cap, while watching for exemptions and refund guidance. Governments also checked how court outcomes might affect negotiated rates. The episode highlighted how quickly US trade settings can change.

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