President Donald Trump said he plans to raise the 10 percent worldwide tariff to 15 percent — the maximum rate permitted under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
In a Truth Social post Saturday, Trump said the increase would take effect “immediately” and described the 15 percent level as “fully allowed” under the statute. He added that the administration would determine and issue updated tariffs in the coming months.
As of publication, the White House has not released a new proclamation formally increasing the rate from 10 percent to 15 percent.
What Is the Presidential Action on Temporary Import Duty?
Trump announced his plan just a day after he signed a presidential proclamation establishing a temporary 10 percent import duty on most goods imported into the U.S. and after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting his authority to impose certain tariffs.
The measure will take effect Tuesday, Feb. 24, and will remain in place for 150 days, according to a White House fact sheet published Friday.
The administration issued the action under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the president to impose temporary import surcharges of up to 15 percent ad valorem for up to 150 days to address large and serious U.S. balance-of-payments deficits.
According to the fact sheet, the administration invoked the authority to address what it described as “fundamental international payments problems” facing the U.S. economy.
What Is the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Presidential Tariff Authority?
The Hill reported that the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled 6–3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president to impose broad tariffs without congressional approval.
The ruling invalidated tariffs issued under that emergency authority, prompting the administration to cite Section 122 as an alternative basis for temporary import surcharges.
What Are the Goods Exempted From the 10% Temporary Import Duty?
The White House fact sheet outlines several categories of goods exempt from the temporary import duty. These include critical minerals; metals used in currency and bullion; energy and energy products; and natural resources and fertilizers that cannot be produced domestically in sufficient quantities. Certain agricultural products, including beef, tomatoes and oranges, are also excluded.
Pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients; certain electronics; passenger vehicles and selected trucks and buses along with specified parts; and certain aerospace products are exempt from the surcharge. Informational materials such as books, along with donations and accompanied baggage, are not subject to the duty.
The administration also excluded goods currently covered by Section 232 national security tariffs. Imports that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement are exempt. Duty-free textiles and apparel imported under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement are also excluded.
What Is the Executive Order on Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment?
In a separate action, Trump signed an executive order on Friday continuing the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries.
The order continues the suspension of the exemption that typically allows low-value imports — including shipments sent through the international postal system — to enter the U.S. without duties or certain taxes. Under the directive, qualifying shipments must be processed under standard customs procedures, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is required to collect applicable duties, taxes and fees.
The order directs federal agencies to implement collection and processing procedures for affected imports during the suspension period.
