President Donald Trump Vows 15% Tariffs on Goods Entering the US

The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated large parts of the Trump administration’s tariff program by ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize broad import duties.

The court’s 6–3 decision found the administration exceeded its authority under IEEPA.

Aaj English TV

President Trump responded by announcing a 15% global tariff under a different authority.

The White House moved quickly to adopt a short-term, uniform surcharge that the administration says is permitted under another statute and capped at 15%.

Several sources describe the move as an administrative pivot designed to preserve trade leverage while new, legally targeted investigations are pursued.

The ruling narrowed the executive branch’s ability to use emergency powers to impose general tariffs, prompting rapid administrative changes and raising questions about refunds for duties already collected.

Several outlets reported that customs authorities deactivated tariff codes tied to IEEPA orders and that litigation over repayments is already underway.

Al Jazeera

Legal analysts and businesses are watching for administrative guidance and court decisions on reliquidation and refund claims, with some commentaries estimating large potential repayment exposure.

The new 15% surcharge is temporary, uniform and carries an explicit 150-day statutory window.

“The Supreme Court, in a majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that presidents do not have inherent authority to impose broad tariffs, dealing a major setback to President Trump’s trade agenda”

BBC

Administrations and analysts say that window will be used to open more targeted Section 301 investigations and other country- or sector-specific measures.

Governments and businesses have noticed a range of carve-outs in the proclamation.

Many reports list exemptions for pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, energy products and USMCA-originating goods.

Other sectors (e.g., items already covered by Section 232 national-security measures) remain subject to separate rules.

Businesses and markets have reacted to both legal uncertainty and the new ad valorem surcharge.

Companies including Costco and Learning Resources have already pursued litigation seeking rebates.

BBC

Analysts warn of competitiveness losses for exporters.

Markets showed immediate responses in currency and equity moves.

Trade lawyers and importers are preparing administrative refund claims and parallel litigation.

Investors and foreign governments are watching for shifts in negotiating leverage.

Observers warn the ruling and the 15% surcharge are reshaping bargaining dynamics ahead of key talks and complicating bilateral and multilateral deals.

“The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing most of his recent emergency tariffs under a 1970s law, invalidating those actions while leaving open whether companies that paid the struck-down duties can get refunds”

Business Insider

Reports say the move has affected negotiations with India, the EU and several Southeast Asian countries.

Business Insider

Lawyers predict Washington will use the 150-day window to open fresh Section 301 probes and seek new legal findings.

Governments such as China, the UK and Canada publicly cautioned about protectionism or sought assurances that previously negotiated deals would be respected.