Washington, Feb 22 (V7N) — US President Donald Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on nearly all imported goods, raising the rate from 10 percent to 15 percent, just a day after unveiling the initial plan.

The announcement came through a post on Truth Social on Saturday.

Rapid Policy Shift

  • Friday: Trump introduced a 10% tariff under Section-122.

  • Saturday: The rate was raised to 15%.

Under Section-122, the US president can impose tariffs unilaterally for up to 150 days (about five months) without congressional approval. Any extension beyond that period requires approval from Congress.

Supreme Court Ruling

The policy shift followed a major legal blow from the Supreme Court of the United States, which ruled the administration’s earlier tariff framework illegal.

In a 6–3 majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the tariffs exceeded statutory limits and violated federal law, noting that the president had relied on national emergency powers that did not authorize such sweeping trade measures.

The court did not clarify whether more than $130 billion in previously collected tariffs would be refunded, leaving the issue open to further legal challenges.

Reaction and Implications

Trump sharply criticized the ruling, calling it “ridiculous” and accusing the court of acting against US interests. Within hours, he invoked a separate trade authority to re-impose tariffs globally — now at the higher 15% rate.

Trade analysts say the decision could trigger:

  • A wave of refund claims from companies and countries

  • Renewed trade tensions globally

  • Legal battles over presidential tariff powers

END/SMA/AJ