Trump: "Global import tariffs" to be raised from 10% to 15%

On February 21, US President Trump posted on social media that the "global import tariff" rate he announced the previous day on goods imported into the US would be raised from 10% to 15%, "effective immediately."

Trump said that based on a review of the ruling of the US Supreme Court, the "tariffs on many countries around the world" rate would be immediately raised from 10% to 15%. In the next few months, the US government will determine and promulgate new "legal tariffs."

The US Supreme Court announced its ruling on the 20th, holding that the US "International Emergency Economic Powers Act" does not authorize the president to impose large-scale tariffs. This means that the Trump administration's tariff policy has suffered a major setback. Trump signed an executive order later that day, confirming the termination of the relevant tariff measures previously introduced under the "International Emergency Economic Powers Act."

Also on the 20th, after the Supreme Court's ruling was announced, Trump declared that, based on Article 122 of the "Trade Act of 1974," he would impose a "global import tariff" at a rate of 10% for 150 days to replace the tariffs found illegal by the Supreme Court. According to US media reports, this clause has never been used before. It allows the government to impose a maximum tariff of 15% for a maximum period of 150 days when there is a trade imbalance with other countries, unless Congress approves an extension.

Trump also said that all tariffs imposed by the US on the grounds of "national security" and those imposed under Article 232 of the "Trade Expansion Act of 1962" and Article 301 of the "Trade Act of 1974" will remain in effect.

Jamison Greer, the US Trade Representative, said in an interview with Fox News Channel on the 20th that the trade agreements the US has reached with other countries must be complied with, even if the tariff rates stipulated in the agreements are higher. He gave an example, saying that the tariff rate on goods imported from Malaysia and Cambodia into the US will remain at 19%. (Xinhua News Agency  Responsible Editor: Hu Rong)