Trump Fails to Impose 15% Tariffs on All Trading Partners

Donald Trump’s new 10% global tariffs have come into effect, kicking off a White House effort to preserve the president’s trade agenda after the Supreme Court (SC) struck down his original sweeping duties, Catherine Lucey and Josh Wingrove reported for Bloomberg News.

Trump is applying the 10% baseline levy under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The president signed an executive order last Friday authorizing the 10% import tax just hours after the ruling.

He subsequently threatened to raise the rate to 15%, but Trump did not officially issue a directive to increase the levy by 12:01 a.m. Washington time Tuesday, when the 10% tariff took effect.

The White House is working on a formal order that would raise the global tariff rate to 15%, according to an administration official.

The timeline for implementing the higher levy has not been finalized, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private matters.

The lack of clarity from Washington has spawned confusion around the globe regarding Trump’s tariff agenda. Countries and corporations are reviewing existing trade agreements to determine how they would fare under the president’s latest threats.

Major trading partners, including the European Union and India, have abruptly halted ongoing trade negotiations amid the uncertainty.

Trump is applying the 10% baseline levy under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose such charges for 150 days without congressional approval.