US President Donald Trump has announced a new 10% global tariff, hours after the US Supreme Court struck down most of his previous import taxes, ruling that he exceeded his constitutional authority.
Trump strongly criticised the court’s decision, calling it “terrible” and attacking the justices who opposed his trade policy. He unveiled the new tariff plan at the White House shortly after the court, in a 6–3 ruling, blocked the global duties imposed last year.
The verdict marked a major win for US states and businesses that challenged the tariffs, potentially opening the door to billions of dollars in refunds. It also created fresh uncertainty for global trade. Trump, however, warned that any refunds would likely be delayed by lengthy legal battles and said the issue could remain in court for years.
The president said his administration would use alternative legal authorities to continue imposing tariffs, arguing that such measures boost domestic investment and manufacturing.
The legal dispute centred on sweeping import taxes announced last year on goods from nearly every country. The tariffs initially targeted Mexico, Canada and China before expanding to dozens of trading partners during what Trump called “Liberation Day” last April.
The White House relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to justify the move, saying it allowed the president to regulate trade during a national emergency. Critics argued the law does not authorise tariffs and accused the administration of bypassing Congress’s taxing powers.
In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts said Congress had only delegated tariff authority in clear and limited terms, adding that it would have explicitly granted such power if intended.
The ruling was supported by the court’s three liberal justices and two Trump-appointed conservatives, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch. Three other conservative justices dissented.
US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s global tariffs
Trump later expressed anger at the Republican-appointed justices who ruled against him, accusing them of disloyalty. Financial markets reacted positively, with Wall Street stocks rising as businesses welcomed the decision.
Despite the ruling, Trump on Friday signed a proclamation imposing a new 10% tariff under Section 122, a rarely used law that allows temporary tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, after which congressional approval is required. The new tariff will take effect on 24 February.
The order includes broad exemptions covering some minerals, natural resources, fertilisers, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, electronics and certain vehicles. Canada and Mexico will remain largely exempt under the USMCA trade agreement.
Countries that previously signed trade deals with the US, including the UK, India and the European Union, will now face the flat 10 percent tariff, according to a White House official, who said those nations are still expected to honour earlier concessions.
Trade analysts said the decision has further complicated the global trade environment. International reaction remained cautious, with the European Commission saying it was studying the ruling carefully.
#From BBC