Donald Trump said the United States will impose a 10% tariff on imports from every country, with the measure set to take effect “almost immediately.” The announcement came only hours after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his earlier tariff approach in a 6-3 ruling, saying the broad use of emergency powers lacked clear approval from Congress. The administration quickly shifted to a different legal basis: Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Section 122 becomes the new legal route
According to the source material, Section 122 allows a president to apply temporary tariffs of no more than 15% for up to 150 days in response to trade imbalances. Trump said the new 10% global tariff would remain in place for about five months. During that same period, the administration plans to conduct inquiries into unfair trade practices and may pursue other actions under Sections 301 and 232.
Trump said he would sign an order imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122 on top of normal tariffs already being charged. Administration officials argued that this framework is more legally durable than the earlier strategy built on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the Supreme Court rejected.
Court ruling clouds earlier tariff collections
The Supreme Court decision disrupted Trump’s existing trade agenda. He called the ruling “deeply disappointing” and said it did not prevent him from acting under other trade statutes, including Section 122.
The legal shift also raises questions about revenue already collected. The report, citing Reuters economic estimates, said about $175 billion in tariff revenue gathered under the previous emergency authority is now uncertain, and any refunds could be tied up in lengthy litigation. Treasury officials said the matter could take months or even years to resolve.
Possibility of higher tariffs remains open
When asked whether tariff rates could move higher, Trump said that remained possible. He pointed to new Section 301 investigations into unfair trade practices and said Section 232 measures based on national security are also being considered.
The administration indicated that some countries accused of unfair practices could face tougher treatment, while others may see a lighter response. That leaves room for future escalation beyond the current 10% baseline.
Markets watch supply chains, equities and crypto exposure
The plan has revived concerns over global trade friction. The source lists several potential effects: higher import costs, retaliatory tariffs, increased stock-market volatility, and pressure on crypto markets linked to supply-chain-sensitive sectors.
Manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods were identified as the industries most directly exposed. With the tariffs expected to take effect almost overnight, markets are closely watching responses from major economies including China, the European Union, and India. Trump described the move as the start of an “adjustment process.” Section 122 limits the tariff window to 150 days, but the related investigations could push U.S. trade policy changes well beyond that period.