In a swift policy move, President Donald Trump announced an increase in the global tariff rate from 10% to 15% within 24 hours. This increase is a direct reaction to a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his extensive 2025 tariffs on over 100 countries illegal. By utilizing a provision from the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for such tariffs up to 15% but only for a limited period of 150 days and subject to renewal by Congress, Trump aims to circumvent the judicial decision impacting his previous tariffs.

The Supreme Court's ruling, decided by a 6-3 vote, marked a significant institutional loss for Trump, who had relied heavily on these tariffs to exert economic pressure on multiple nations. His previous authority for imposing these tariffs was grounded in what has been termed the "tarifaço," which stirred considerable controversy and faced significant legal scrutiny. Trump's ongoing efforts to maintain tariff leverage through a new legal framework indicates his administration's continued focus on trade policy as a tool for asserting U.S. interests abroad.

This development raises questions about the potential implications for international trade relations and economic retaliation. With the new tariff set to take effect immediately, it will likely influence negotiations with other countries already feeling the impact of Trump's earlier trade policies. Furthermore, the reliance on a seldom-used legislative section poses risks of further legal challenges, potentially prolonging tensions in global trade dynamics.