White House Puts Proposed 15% Global Tariff on Hold
Posted on 02/26/26 at 14:09
- 15% Global Tariff Plan Still Under Discussion
- Only 10% Rate Currently in Effect
- Dependent on Bilateral Agreements
According to EFE, the White House on Wednesday downplayed the likelihood that the 15% global tariff announced by President Donald Trump would take effect universally.
Government representatives indicated that applying the higher percentage will depend on the status of bilateral trade negotiations and country-specific decisions.
For now, only the temporary 10% tariffs that took effect at midnight Tuesday remain in force.
The announcement has generated uncertainty about the direction of US tariff policy and the future of the Trump 15% global tariff proposal.
The 15% Rate Remains Under Review
White House chief economist Kevin Hassett stated that the increase to 15% “is still being discussed and will depend on the status of negotiations and existing agreements.”
His comments came amid adjustments following Trump’s weekend announcement.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in an interview with Bloomberg News that the president will sign an executive order in the coming days to raise the rate from 10% to 15% “where appropriate.”
Greer explained that the intention is to provide “continuity” to bilateral agreements reached with countries or blocs such as the European Union.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: 5 Controversial Economic Points from Trump’s State of the Union Address
These agreements were negotiated after the global tariff announcement made in April.
At that time, the administration invoked a 1977 economic emergency law to justify the so-called “reciprocal” tariffs.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court of the United States invalidated that use, ruling that it encroached on Congress’s authority.
Legal Basis and Temporary Rates
Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump turned to powers granted under a 1974 trade law.
Under that statute, he declared 10% global tariffs for 150 days.
Shortly thereafter, the president indicated the rate would rise to 15%.
However, the order that took effect at midnight Tuesday only included the 10% increase.
The White House stated it is working on an executive order to formalize the 15% rate.
This process has created confusion among trade partners—especially countries that had already agreed to lower their own tariffs after negotiations with Washington.
Impact on of US Tariff Policy on Agreements and International Reaction
The European Parliament is delaying a vote to ratify the trade agreement reached with the Trump administration.
The decision comes amid uncertainty over what will happen if, within 150 days, the global tariffs imposed under the 1974 law expire.
Hassett maintained that tariff increases—considered a cornerstone of Trump’s economic and foreign policy—will not drop to zero.
He argued that various legal frameworks exist that would allow the executive branch to implement its tariff plans without involving Congress.
The combination of announcements, court rulings, and pending executive orders has complicated the interpretation of the U.S. trade landscape.
While the 10% rates remain in place, the potential jump to the Trump 15% global tariff is contingent on future decisions and the progress of bilateral negotiations.
The situation leaves room for country-by-country adjustments.
And it keeps trade partners waiting for a formal determination on the final scope of the global tariffs announced by the White House.
