Summary of Trump's Tariff Increase from 10% to 15%

Date: February 21, 2026

Author: Adam Button

Overview

In a swift move, President Donald Trump has announced an increase in the global tariff from 10% to 15%. This decision comes just a day after the initial tariff announcement, reflecting Trump's frustration with a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding tariffs.

Details of the Announcement

Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that the increase is a response to what he described as a "ridiculous" and "poorly written" decision by the Supreme Court. He emphasized that many countries have been "ripping" off the U.S. for decades without consequences until his administration took action.

Implications of the Tariff Increase

This tariff increase effectively limits Trump's ability to use tariffs as a negotiation tool in the short term. With the tariff set at 15%, he cannot easily impose additional tariffs based on external factors, such as media advertisements or comments from foreign politicians. Furthermore, the Section 122 tariffs are set to expire in 150 days, adding a time constraint to their implementation.

Timing and Exemptions

Interestingly, the executive order associated with the tariffs states that they will not take effect until February 24, creating a brief window for importers to adjust their strategies. The order also includes several exemptions, particularly for goods traded under the USMCA agreement, which were already largely tariff-free. The exemptions cover a range of products, including:

• Critical minerals
• Metals used in currency and bullion
• Energy and energy products
• Agricultural products like beef, tomatoes, and oranges
• Pharmaceuticals and ingredients
• Electronics
• Passenger vehicles and certain vehicle parts
• Aerospace products
• Textiles and apparel from specific Central American countries

Conclusion

Trump's rapid decision to raise tariffs highlights the volatility and unpredictability of trade policy under his administration. While the increase aims to protect American interests, it also raises questions about the long-term strategy and potential impacts on international trade relations.