The US Supreme Court has blocked major portions of former President Donald Trump’s global tariff programme in a 6–3 ruling, prompting Trump to announce a fresh 10 per cent tariff on all imports into the United States, escalating trade tensions with global partners.
Supreme Court Blocks Key Tariff Measures
The court’s decision delivered a significant setback to Trump’s signature “America First” economic policy, which relied heavily on tariffs to pressure trading partners and protect domestic industries. Legal experts described the ruling as a major legal victory against sweeping tariff powers.
Prominent lawyer Neal Katyal, reacting to the verdict, said his legal team was well prepared. “I have the best legal team,” Katyal said, highlighting confidence in the court challenge against the tariff programme.
Trump Announces New 10% Import Tariff
Despite the ruling, Trump quickly moved to introduce a new tariff order imposing an additional 10 per cent duty on all imports. He said the new measure would take effect “almost immediately,” reinforcing his administration’s aggressive trade stance.
According to a White House factsheet, the tariff will be implemented from February 24 and remain in force for 150 days. Certain sectors, including pharmaceuticals and goods covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, will remain exempt due to ongoing investigations and existing trade arrangements.
The new tariff will also apply to countries that had previously negotiated separate tariff agreements with the US, although officials indicated that adjustments could be made in the future to reflect negotiated rates.
Trump Says India Trade Deal Remains Unaffected
Trump stated that the Supreme Court ruling would not impact ongoing trade arrangements with India. He said India would continue paying tariffs on exports to the US while American goods would face fewer barriers.
“They’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs. The deal with India is on… all the deals are on, we’re just going to do it in a different way,” Trump said.
Global Trade Uncertainty Continues
The court ruling and Trump’s subsequent tariff announcement have added fresh uncertainty to global trade dynamics. While the administration is exploring alternative legal and policy routes to maintain tariff measures, trading partners are closely monitoring developments that could affect international commerce and bilateral trade agreements.
