US imposes 10pc tariff, lower than threatened
Reuters :
The United States has begun imposing an additional 10 percent tariff on most imports, opting for the lower rate initially announced by President Donald Trump rather than the 15 percent increase he later suggested.
According to a notice issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the new 10 percent ad valorem tariff took effect at midnight on Tuesday (24 February). The rate applies to all goods not covered by specific exemptions.
The decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier tariffs introduced under emergency powers.
In response to the ruling, President Trump first announced a temporary global tariff of 10 percent on Friday, before stating on Saturday that he intended to raise it to 15percent.
However, the official CBP notice referenced the February 20, 2026 Presidential Proclamation and confirmed that imports — except those specifically exempted — would be subject to an additional 10 percent duty.
No explanation was provided for why the higher 15% rate was not immediately implemented.
The Financial Times reported that a White House official said the increase to 15 percent would be introduced at a later stage, although Reuters could not independently verify the claim.
The new tariff replaces the earlier duties that were invalidated by the Supreme Court. Those previously ranged from 10 percent to as high as 50 percent, and their collection has now been halted.
The administration invoked Section 122 of US trade law, which allows the president to impose tariffs for up to 150 days to address significant balance-of-payments deficits and broader international payments concerns.
In his order, Trump argued that the United States faces a serious imbalance, citing a $1.2 trillion annual goods trade deficit, a current account deficit equivalent to 4 percent of GDP, and a reversal of the country’s primary income surplus.
On Monday, Trump warned that countries should not retreat from recently negotiated trade agreements with Washington, saying higher duties could be imposed under alternative trade laws if they did.
Japan has requested assurances that its treatment under the new tariff regime will remain consistent with existing agreements. The European Union and Britain have also indicated they intend to adhere to previously negotiated trade deals.
