US president Donald Trump has issued 15% tariffs on every country exporting to the US, including across Asia, after his so-called reciprocal ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, issued in April 2025, were ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court.
The new 15% tariffs were announced on Trump’s ‘Truth Social’ social media platform as “effective immediately” and were quickly increased from an initial 10% level. However, some of the practical details on the new tariff policy have yet to be revealed, while any refunds on the other tariffs are yet to clarified.
The new tariffs can last for up to 150 days under the powers of the president, and could then possibly be extended. The temporary tariffs have been imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 citing a “balance-of-payments” crisis. This move could yet be challenged in court.
The Supreme Court published several opinions on February 20 relating to the imposition of Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs in 2025 on its website, including a case against Trump from Learning Resources
Despite the ruling, US importers are still paying the previous tariffs as the US Customs hasn’t yet updated its Cargo System Management System Service, according to a report in CNBC. Customs issued a statement which said they are looking at the decision from the Supreme Court.
The confusion for exporters to the US is set to continue for months and possibly years ahead.
In February US inflation was 3% while US GDP growth was 2.2% in 2025, a slowdown from 2.8% in 2024 with Q4 2025 growth at a worse than expected 1.4% growth.
This is a developing story.
¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.
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