President Donald Trump signed an order this Friday, February 20, imposing a temporary import tariff, in order to "address fundamental international payments problems" and continue "rebalancing" United States trade relations. The announcement comes after the Supreme Court stopped its tariff policy. adding uncertainty in partners such as Mexico, Canada or the United Kingdom.
First modification: 02/21/2026 - 01:25Last modification: 02/21/2026 - 01:59
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The president of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Friday, February 20, that he signed documents to impose a 10% tariff on imports from all countries, which will be "effective almost immediately."
"It is a great honor for me to have recently signed, from the Oval Office, a global 10% tariff for all countries, which will go into effect almost immediately," he said in a publication in Truth Social.
The White House explained that the president invoked his authority under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which grants the president powers to address certain fundamental international payment problems through surcharges and other special restrictions on imports. The law only allows tariffs to be raised up to 15% and for periods of 150 days.
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The announcement came hours after the Supreme Court ruled against his sweeping global tariffs. The ruling was widely rejected by Trump.
As ruled by the Supreme Court, its decision will affect the 10% global base tariff on foreign imports and what Trump considers "reciprocal" levies on his trading partners.
Also included are the Republican's decisions to increase tariffs on Brazil and India by up to 50% in retaliation for the prosecution of his ally, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, and the purchase of Russian crude oil, respectively.
Trump strongly criticized the Supreme Court during an impromptu press conference at the White House.
In his speech, the head of state challenged the country's highest court and announced that he would maintain customs rates and even impose new tariffs of 10%. In addition, he stressed that he is not obliged to ask permission from Congress, after the Court indicated in its ruling that Trump exceeded his authority.
"There are even more solid methods at my disposal (...) Countries will not be able to celebrate for long," he declared, highlighting that these will be used "to replace those that the court incorrectly rejected."
Trump declared himself "deeply disappointed" by the ruling, and directly accused some judges of the Court of being subject to "foreign interests."
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who dissented from the majority opinion (6 to 3) of the Court, warned that this legal process could be a "disarray."
Refunds?: a $175 billion impact
The Supreme Court decided that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 "does not authorize the president to impose tariffs."
The ruling puts about $175 billion in tariff revenue collected in 2025 subject to possible refunds, according to estimates provided to Reuters by economists at the Penn-Wharton Budget Model.
When asked if he would refund, Trump said, "I guess it will have to be litigated over the next two years," a response that indicated a quick, automatic refund process was unlikely.
The reactions: what do Mexico, the EU or the United Kingdom expect?
The Government of Mexico declared that it was going to study the Supreme Court ruling. The European Union said the same.
"Canada must prepare for new, more forceful mechanisms, (...) potentially with broader and more disruptive effects," said the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Candace Laing, in a statement.
The United Kingdom, which had signed a free trade agreement with the United States, indicated that it hoped to maintain that "privileged trading position."
Trump also used tariffs to negotiate with other key countries, such as Japan, India and South Korea. These agreements remain in force, assured the president.
Read alsoTrump announces new 10% general tariff after setback by the US Supreme Court
With EFE, Reuters, AFP and media
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