Trump Declares 15% Universal Tariff on Imports, Effective Immediately

Washington, DC [US]: US President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that he is increasing the 10% global duty on countries announced yesterday “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”

In a post on his social media profile Truth Social, Trump also stated that his administration will determine and issue new and legally permissible tariffs during “the next short number of months,” continuing the tremendously successful process of Making America Great Again.

Trump stated

“I, the President of the United States of America, will be raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been “ripping” the U.S. off for decades, to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level, effective immediately, following a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday by the United States Supreme Court, after MANY months of contemplation,” Trump stated.

“Over the coming few months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue new and legally appropriate tariffs, which will continue our tremendously successful process of Making America Great Again – GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!!! Thank you for paying attention to this topic. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the message stated.

The US Supreme Court decided on Friday against the majority of Trump’s sweeping tariff measures, dealing a significant setback to his flagship trade strategy. Trump later issued an order imposing a 10% global tariff on all countries, effective “almost immediately”

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A White House official stated on Friday that India is expected to pay this price, and that this charge will remain in effect until another authority is invoked, stressing the expectation that trade partners follow US trade agreements.”Yes, 10% until another authority is invoked,” said a White House official when asked if India would have to pay 10% tariffs and if they would replace prior levies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The authority also asked all trade partners to follow the trade agreements.

The US Supreme Court found 6-3 that the Trump administration exceeded its lawful power when it imposed broad-based import tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Trump called the Supreme Court’s finding a “terrible decision” and declared on Friday that he would issue an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This power authorises a temporary import surcharge (up to 15%) for 150 days to resolve balance-of-payments shortfalls.

On February 7, India and the United States announced that they had agreed on a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. The framework underlined both nations’ commitment to the larger US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, which will include expanded market access commitments and support for more robust supply chains.

The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will be a watershed moment in our countries’ relationship, showcasing a shared commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes, according to a joint statement.

The Interim Agreement included India removing or lowering tariffs on all US industrial goods as well as a wide range of US food and agricultural products, such as dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and other products.

According to Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended, the United States will impose a reciprocal tariff rate of 18% on India-originating goods such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery. It further stated that if the Interim Agreement is successfully concluded, the United States will remove the reciprocal duty on a wide range of items, including generic medications, jewels and diamonds, and aviation parts.

The US had previously slapped a 50% tariff on Indian commodities, including a 25% penalty for importing Russian oil.

The government is analysing the impact of the US Supreme Court’s tariff decision and President Trump’s recent actions.We took note of yesterday’s US Supreme Court decision on tariffs. President Trump has also held a press conference in this regard. The US administration has announced several initiatives. We are investigating all of these developments to determine their ramifications,” the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a brief statement.