Conflicting interpretations have emerged over the timing of the global tariff increase announced by U.S. President Donald Trump following the Supreme Court's ruling invalidating reciprocal tariffs. While Trump declared he would raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%, the scope and timing of implementation remain undetermined.
Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council and a key economic adviser to Trump, told reporters on the 25th (local time) that the timing for the 15% global tariff rate is "still under discussion." He added, "It will depend on the state of negotiations and agreements."
Hassett's remarks were interpreted as signaling that the 15% tariff increase has not been finalized and is contingent on maintaining existing trade agreements with South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the European Union.
Earlier that day, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Fox Business that "for some countries it will go to 15%, and then for other countries it could go higher." This suggests the 15% global tariff will not apply uniformly to all nations—a departure from Trump's statement that tariffs would rise to 15% for "the entire world."
Trump signed a proclamation on the 20th, the same day the Supreme Court ruled reciprocal tariffs illegal, imposing new 10% global tariffs on all trading partners for five months under Section 122 of the Trade Act. The tariffs took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on the 24th. Less than 24 hours later, he announced the rate would increase from 10% to 15%, stating "the entire world" would be subject to the 15% tariff.