President Trump hikes US import tariff to 15% following a Supreme Court ruling against his earlier policy, sparking global trade uncertainty

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump raised the global duty on imports into the United States to 15%.

The move came a day after the Supreme Court ruled much of his aggressive tariff policy illegal.

Trump announced the hike on his Truth Social platform following a review of what he called an “extraordinarily anti-American decision” by the court.

He stated the administration was raising import levies “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”

Shortly after the court’s 6-3 ruling, Trump had initially announced a new 10% global levy by invoking a different legal avenue.

The Republican also launched a personal attack on the conservative justices who sided with the majority.

He slammed their “disloyalty” and called them “fools and lap dogs.”

The ruling marked a major political setback by striking down Trump’s signature economic policy.

It was a stunning rebuke by a high court that has largely sided with the president since he returned to office.

Saturday’s announcement is sure to provoke further global trade uncertainty.

Trump has used the trade war to cajole and punish both friend and foe nations.

The new duty is by law only temporary and allowable for 150 days.

According to a White House fact sheet, exemptions remain for sectors under separate probes, including pharmaceuticals.

Goods entering the US under the US-Mexico-Canada agreement are also exempt.

On Friday, the White House said US trading partners with separate tariff deals would still face the new global tariff.

Friday’s court ruling did not impact sector-specific duties on steel, aluminum and other goods.

Government probes still under way could lead to additional sectoral tariffs.

Nevertheless, it marked Trump’s biggest defeat at the Supreme Court since returning to the White House 13 months ago.

Trump heaped praise on the conservative justices who voted to uphold his authority.

He thanked Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh “for their strength and wisdom, and love of our country.”

The president alleged the majority of six justices had been “swayed by foreign interests.”

Shares on Wall Street rose modestly Friday after the expected decision.

Business groups largely cheered the ruling, with the National Retail Federation saying it “provides much-needed certainty.”

In court arguments, the Trump administration said companies would receive refunds if the tariffs were deemed unlawful.

The Supreme Court’s ruling did not address the refund issue.

Trump said he expected years of litigation on whether to provide refunds.

Justice Kavanaugh noted the refund process could be a “mess.”

Several countries are studying the Supreme Court ruling and Trump’s subsequent announcements.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would hold talks with European allies to formulate a joint response.

He plans to travel to the US capital in early March.

On the domestic front, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said it was time for Trump to “listen to the Supreme Court, end chaotic tariffs, and stop wreaking havoc on our farmers, small business owners, and families.”

 The Sun Malaysia