Trump’s 10% tariffs kick in, may rise to 15%

Order does not explain decision; White House official says President had ‘no change of heart’ about 15% levy

- REUTERS

The United States began collecting a temporary new 10 per cent global import tariff on Tuesday but the Trump administration was working to increase it to 15 per cent, a White House official said, sowing confusion over President Donald Trump's tariff policies in the wake of last week's Supreme Court defeat.

Trump initially signed an order on Friday for a 10 percent tariff to last 150 days to replace broad duties under an emergency law that were struck down by the Supreme Court, but on Saturday, he said he would increase the rate to 15 per cent.

But on Monday night before the midnight start of collections, the US Customs and Border Protection agency notified shipper that the rate would be 10 per cent. The White House official told Reuters that Trump has had “no change of heart” in his desire for a 15 per cent tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, but offered no details on the timing for that increase.

As of Monday, Trump had not signed a formal presidential order for the increase to 15% and CBP can only act on published presidential executive orders and proclamations.