A new round of global tariffs announced by Donald Trump has officially come into force in the United States, but at a lower rate than previously indicated.
Despite public pledges to impose a 15% global tariff, official documents now confirm that the rate has been set at 10%, with no directive issued to raise it.
The change comes just days after the Supreme Court of the United States blocked several sweeping import taxes introduced earlier by the administration.
Economic Analysts Call Situation “Chaotic”
According to Carsten Brzeski, an analyst at the investment bank ING, the shifting tariff announcements have deepened uncertainty for global businesses.
“In terms of uncertainty, we’re back to where we were last year… the risk of a fully-fledged trade war is clearly higher,” he told the BBC.
What the Executive Order Says
The temporary 10% duty, imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, allows the president to introduce tariffs for 150 days without United States Congress approval.
The executive order states the tariff aims to:
- Address “international payments problems”
- Support efforts to “rebalance trade relationships”
- Protect American workers, farmers, and manufacturers
The US trade deficit, however, hit a record high of $1.2 trillion, widening by 2.1% compared to 2024.
Court Clash and International Reactions
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that the president had overstepped his authority by using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose earlier global tariffs.
Trump called the ruling:
“Ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American.”
The US has already collected over $130 billion in tariffs under IEEPA.
Allies Push Back
Countries across the world are now reassessing tariff agreements:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom said no reciprocal action is off the table if the US fails to honour its deal, though it emphasized avoiding escalation.
European Union
The European Union announced it will suspend ratification of a trade deal negotiated last summer.
Brando Benifei, chair of the European Parliament’s US relations delegation, said:
“If we get worse conditions, then we need to react… countries must work together.”