US President Donald Trump Imposes New 10 Percent Global Tariff on Imports While Responding to Supreme Court Ruling in Washington

Hours after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal” global tariffs as unconstitutional, the administration unveiled a new 10 percent global tariff, signaling that US trade policy is far from settled.

The move comes after the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were beyond Trump’s authority.

The president, dismissing the decision as “ridiculous,” immediately shifted to an alternative legal mechanism, Section 122, to enforce the new levy.

Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications

The Supreme Court decision only affects tariffs enacted under IEEPA.

Other measures, including national security tariffs under Section 232 and trade-related investigations under Section 301, remain untouched.

These measures cover sectors critical to Ireland and the EU, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, commercial aircraft, medical devices, robotics, drones, wind turbines, critical minerals, and timber.

Tánaiste Simon Harris warned that further US tariffs through alternative legal channels “cannot be ruled out,” highlighting uncertainty for businesses relying on transatlantic trade.

The European Commission has called for clarity, especially since some firms may seek refunds for tariffs already collected.

By December, the US Treasury had amassed over €133 billion from these levies.

Ireland and EU Responses

Irish officials are closely monitoring developments.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee emphasized the importance of predictable and stable trade, noting that the ruling represents a “significant development in the wider global trading environment.”

EU Commission deputy chief spokesman Olof Gill said Brussels is carefully analyzing the situation and engaging directly with Washington to understand next steps.

Both sides stress that stability and predictability in trade are essential for businesses and economic growth.

Trump’s New Tariff Mechanism

Trump’s 10 percent global tariff, enacted under Section 122, applies on top of existing national security tariffs.

The president also announced that new investigations will begin, asserting that while IEEPA’s authority was curtailed, it could still be applied selectively against foreign trade.

The administration’s approach preserves leverage over ongoing US–EU negotiations on steel and aluminium tariffs, while signaling that Washington intends to maintain assertive trade measures.

Business and Economic Implications

For Irish and European companies, the Supreme Court ruling raises questions about potential refunds on tariffs already paid, as well as the evaluation of investments made under the previous IEEPA framework.

Trade experts warn that ongoing unpredictability could affect planning, supply chains, and cross-Atlantic economic cooperation.

Tánaiste Harris noted: “Low tariffs are in everyone’s interests, and we will continue to engage with US counterparts to promote measures that work for all.”

What’s Next?

The coming weeks will reveal how the US implements the new Section 122 tariff and whether additional legal measures are used to enforce trade policy.

Irish and EU officials will continue pressing for clarity on refunds and the future of affected sectors. Businesses on both sides of the Atlantic are bracing for further developments, while EU–US trade negotiations remain a critical focus.

Summary

By ELIANA SILVER, SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 20 February 2026 | Updated: 20 February 2026

After the US Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s global tariffs under IEEPA as unconstitutional, the administration swiftly imposed a new 10 percent global tariff using Section 122. Existing national security tariffs remain in force.

Irish and EU officials, including Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister Helen McEntee, are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of stable and predictable trade.

The ruling has raised concerns over potential tariff refunds and economic uncertainty, while the US signals continued assertive trade measures affecting key sectors from pharmaceuticals to wind turbines.

Businesses and governments await further clarification from Washington as transatlantic trade faces ongoing volatility.