Trump Temporary 10% Global Tariff: New Measure After Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a temporary 10% global tariff on imports after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down significant portions of his sweeping tariff program, underscoring the administration’s determination to maintain high trade barriers despite a major legal setback.
On Feb. 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s broad global tariffs—originally imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977—exceeded presidential authority. The 6–3 decision declared those emergency-based duties illegal because the law did not clearly authorise their use for sweeping tariffs.
In response to the ruling, Trump said he would pivot to other legal authorities to resume trade measures aimed at protecting U.S. industries.
Under the newly announced measure, Trump will impose a 10% global tariff on all imports for a limited period of 150 days. The tariff will be implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose import surcharges temporarily in response to significant balance-of-payments issues or other economic pressures.
The new tariff is set to take effect in about three days following the announcement and will apply on top of existing sector-specific tariffs already in place, including duties under Sections 232 and 301 of the Trade Act.
Trump’s announcement followed criticism of the Supreme Court ruling, which he said did not eliminate tariffs but only invalidated one legal basis for them. The president described alternative statutory authorities as “great alternatives” that would allow trade measures to continue.
Administration officials have indicated that the 10% global tariff is a temporary measure meant to maintain tariff coverage while other trade tools—such as longer, formal investigations under Section 301—are pursued. Those investigations can take months to complete but could lead to more targeted duties against unfair foreign trade practices.
Critics, including many business groups and trading partners, warn that the temporary tariff could still disrupt global supply chains and increase costs for importers and consumers. Supporters of the move say the measure is necessary to protect American jobs and industry from unfair competition.
Trump has reiterated that existing national security and sector-specific tariffs will remain in force, even as the legal challenges reshape the framework for imposing broad duties. The global 10% tariff is part of the administration’s broader strategy to preserve high import levies despite legal hurdles.
As the tariff enters force, global markets and trade partners will watch closely how the U.S. balances legal compliance with its economic and strategic objectives.
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