U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of an additional 10% tariff on imported goods entering the United States, with the measure set to begin just three days after a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated earlier tariff orders.

According to the announcement, the newly imposed duty will be layered on top of existing import tariffs and is intended to address persistent trade imbalances while preserving executive authority over trade policy.

New Tariff Terms and Legal Authority

The 10% surcharge will be authorised under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the president to apply import duties of up to 15% when the country faces significant balance-of-payments deficits. Administration officials noted that this latest tariff does not require fresh approval from Congress.

President Trump also clarified that the tariff will not apply to imports from Canada and Mexico, which remain exempt under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act — the same statute that allows emergency trade measures without legislative consent.

In his announcement, Trump also previewed potential forthcoming investigations into specific trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, both tools previously used to target imports of metals and autos.

Overview of Current Trade Duties

Tariff rates on various trading partners currently differ widely. According to recent data:

• China: ~47.5%
• Brazil: ~50%
• Mexico: ~25%
• South Korea: ~25%
• South Africa: ~30%
• Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia: ~19%
• India: ~18%

The new 10% surcharge will supplement these existing rates, applying broadly to imported goods unless specific exemptions are maintained.

Issues Around Refunds from Previous Tariffs

A key unresolved issue following the Supreme Court decision is whether importers who paid duties under the previous tariff regime can seek refunds. Legal analysts estimate that potential claims could total as much as $170 billion, which would amount to a substantial portion of the revenue collected from earlier levies.

The administration has not yet clarified how refund claims will be handled or whether legislation might be proposed to address this issue.

Public and Political Response

Public sentiment on tariff policy remains mixed. Recent polling suggested that a majority of Americans view existing tariff measures as too aggressive. Several lawmakers from President Trump’s own party have also expressed concern about the potential economic impact of expanded duties, particularly as the country approaches midterm elections.

Supporters of the tariff argue it will protect domestic industries and help correct trade imbalances, while critics warn it could increase costs for consumers and escalate tensions with key trading partners.

Summary

President Trump has announced a new 10% tariff on imports, to be implemented three days after a Supreme Court ruling invalidated earlier tariffs. The levy will complement existing duties and is authorised under the Trade Act of 1974, with exemptions for Canada and Mexico. Broad application of the tariff could affect a wide range of countries and goods. Uncertainty remains over potential refunds to importers from the previous tariff regime, and public opinion remains divided as economic and political debates unfold ahead of midterm elections.

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