The United States Customs and Border Protection has begun implementing a new 10% tariff on imports not covered by existing exemptions. The move follows a recent presidential proclamation introducing additional duties on goods entering the United States.
According to an official customs notice, imports will be subject to “an additional ad valorem rate of 10%.” The collection of the revised tariffs commenced at midnight, replacing earlier duties that had been struck down.
The new rate is lower than the 15% tariff previously indicated by US President Donald Trump, although a White House official reportedly stated that the higher rate could be introduced at a later stage.
Supreme Court Ruling Prompted Policy Shift
The development comes after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled, by a 6–3 majority, that the President had exceeded his authority by invoking a 1977 emergency law to impose sweeping country-specific tariffs. The decision effectively halted earlier tariffs that ranged between 10% and 50%.
In response, the administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This provision allows the President to impose temporary duties of up to 150 days to address significant balance-of-payments deficits or fundamental international payment issues. Any extension beyond that period requires congressional approval.
Policy Implications and Next Steps
The revised 10% tariff now applies broadly to imports unless specifically exempted. While the administration has signalled the possibility of raising the rate to 15%, no formal confirmation has been issued.
The policy shift underscores the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding US trade measures. Analysts note that the Supreme Court’s ruling has reshaped the administration’s approach, requiring reliance on alternative statutory mechanisms for tariff implementation.
As global markets assess the impact of the new duties, further clarity is expected regarding potential adjustments to the tariff rate and the scope of exemptions.
