Trump Administration Announces Plan to Increase Global Tariffs to 15 Percent
U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a directive in the coming days that will raise his global tariff to 15 percent "where appropriate," according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. This announcement comes just after a 10 percent worldwide levy took effect on Tuesday, creating uncertainty among trading partners.
Seeking Continuity with Existing Trade Agreements
Greer emphasized that the administration is seeking "continuity" with nations that have previously struck trade deals with the United States. During an appearance on Bloomberg Television's Surveillance program, Greer stated: "So right now, as we talked about, 10 percent is in place. There will be a proclamation raising it to 15 percent where appropriate."
The trade representative sought to clarify how the administration would implement Trump's threat to increase the tariff rate while honoring existing pacts with major trading partners. In the 24 hours following the initial 10 percent levy, the administration had offered few details about their implementation strategy.
Addressing Concerns from European Partners
When questioned about whether the higher charge would violate the U.S. agreement with the European Union, Greer indicated he would speak later about "how that might accommodate other countries." He repeatedly suggested that the changes would not result in a larger cumulative rate for certain economies with established trade agreements.
This represents a positive signal for the European Union, United Kingdom, and other trading partners who would have faced a significantly higher tariff burden under a blanket 15 percent levy. Greer explained: "The point is to recreate the policy that we've developed over the past year, to give continuity and be able to be in a position where we can honour the deals, but also have enforcement available."
International Reactions and Implementation Timeline
U.K. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle expressed confidence that London's trade framework "remains intact" following the announcement. During a press conference in Brussels, Kyle stated: "As we move forward into the coming days and we get certainty, it is certainly my hope that the 10 percent tariff rate will remain intact as well."
Greer acknowledged that it could take "a couple months" for the administration to reestablish Trump's tariff regime in ways that uphold existing agreements. This implementation challenge comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's rejection of Trump's so-called "reciprocal duties."
Legal Authority and Future Trade Investigations
The president is imposing his baseline tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which grants him authority to apply duties for up to 150 days without congressional approval. Officials have indicated they plan to use this timeframe to conduct trade investigations under other authorities.
This approach opens the door to more permanent tariffs on products from specific countries and industries that would eventually replace the global charge. Similarly, Greer noted that the U.S. is seeking to maintain levies on Chinese goods within a range of 35 percent to 50 percent, depending on the product category.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagement
President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in late March or early April to discuss an extension of their nations' tariff truce. This diplomatic engagement comes as the administration works to balance its tariff objectives with maintaining functional trade relationships with key economic partners around the world.
The announcement represents the latest development in the Trump administration's evolving trade policy, which continues to prioritize domestic economic interests while navigating complex international agreements and diplomatic relationships.
