Trump Tariffs Ruled Invalid: China & Allies React to New 15% Global Levy

Trump Imposes New Tariffs Following Supreme Court Ruling

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has responded to a Supreme Court ruling against his previous tariff policies by announcing a new 15% global tariff, escalating trade tensions and creating uncertainty for international economic relations. The move comes after the Court struck down his earlier attempt to impose sweeping tariffs using a 1977 law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The Supreme Court’s decision, handed down on Friday, does not invalidate all of Trump’s tariffs, but specifically targets those implemented under IEEPA. According to the Court, the law does not grant the President the authority to impose tariffs broadly. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that Trump had asserted “extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration and scope,” without sufficient legal basis.

Trump initially reacted to the ruling by announcing a temporary 10% global tariff under the Trade Act of 1974, before raising it to 15%. He expressed his disappointment with the Court’s decision, calling it “deeply disappointing” and questioning the patriotism of some of the justices.

The announcement has prompted reactions from countries around the world. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated it was conducting a “comprehensive assessment” of the ruling and urged the United States to lift unilateral tariffs imposed on its trading partners. A spokesperson for the ministry, as reported by Xinhua, reiterated Beijing’s position that trade wars benefit no one and that Trump’s measures “not only violate international economic and trade rules, but also contravene U.S. Domestic laws, and do not benefit either side.”

The situation is particularly complex for countries like China and South Korea, which have been subject to higher import tariffs on their exports to the U.S. While the Supreme Court ruling may offer some relief, the new 15% global tariff could offset those gains. Other U.S. Allies, such as Japan and the United Kingdom, may also face increased tariffs.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated on Sunday that the U.S. Intends to maintain its existing trade agreements and expects its partners to do the same. “The deals weren’t based on whether the emergency tariff litigation would succeed or fail. I haven’t heard anyone come to me and say the deal is off. They want to see how this plays out,” Greer said in an interview with CBS News.

South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Kim Jung-kwan, cautioned that continued imposition of new tariffs under alternative legal frameworks could worsen the uncertainty. He stated that South Korean officials would engage in “friendly” conversations with their U.S. Counterparts to minimize any negative impact on South Korean businesses. Key South Korean exports, including automobiles and steel, are already subject to tariffs under other trade laws.

“Given the uncertainty over future U.S. Tariff measures, the public and private sectors must work together to strengthen the export competitiveness of our companies and diversify their markets,” Kim said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that trading partners would honor existing agreements and that tariff revenues would remain stable. “Tariff revenue will not change this year and will not change going forward,” Bessent stated in an interview with Fox News, referencing the new 15% global tariffs. He added that the government would abide by any court orders regarding refunds for import taxes already collected under the tariffs now deemed illegal, stating, “It’s not up to us, and we will abide by the court orders.”

Financial markets reacted with some volatility to the news. U.S. Futures fell early Monday, with the S&P 500 down 0.6% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.5%. Oil prices also declined, and the U.S. Dollar weakened against the Japanese yen and the euro. However, stock prices in Asia generally rose, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gaining 2.4%.

The Supreme Court case was Learning Resources, Inc. V. Trump, decided on February 20, 2026. The Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.