The United States plans to increase a global tariff on imports to 15% starting this week, as the government looks for ways to maintain its trade policy while dealing with legal challenges.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the higher tariff will be introduced as a temporary step after a court decision blocked parts of the tariff programme earlier introduced by former president Donald Trump.
Earlier, the US had imposed a 10% tariff on imports from many countries after the court ruling created uncertainty around the previous tariff structure. The new 15% rate will replace that temporary level while the government works on restoring its earlier trade measures.
Bessent said the administration is using a trade law that allows the US president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a limited period without full congressional approval. This provision can be used for up to 150 days. According to him, the government expects the higher tariff to remain in place for about five months.
During this period, the administration will work on bringing back the earlier tariff system through other legal mechanisms. Bessent said the goal is to ensure that the US can continue applying trade pressure where needed while also complying with legal requirements.
The tariff move is part of broader efforts by the US to reshape global trade relations and encourage domestic manufacturing. Tariffs are often used by governments to make imported goods more expensive, which can help protect local industries.
Bessent indicated that the administration expects the tariff situation to stabilise later this year once the earlier trade measures are reinstated through the proper legal process.
For now, the temporary 15% tariff is expected to remain in place while the government works to restore its broader trade policy framework.
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