Trump Signals Selective Tariff Hike to 15% or Higher

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Feb. 25 (ET) that President Donald Trump is expected to sign an order in the coming days raising the newly imposed 10% global tariff to 15% or higher for certain countries, while emphasizing that the increase will not apply universally.

The 10% across-the-board tariff took effect on Feb. 24 under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, after the administration shifted legal strategy following a Supreme Court ruling. Greer clarified that the planned increase would be applied 'where appropriate', meaning some countries could face a 15% rate, while others may see even higher duties.

'Right now, we have the 10% tariff. It'll go up to 15% for some and then it may go higher for others, and I think it will be in line with the types of tariffs we've been seeing,' Greer said in an interview on Fox Business.

No Across-the-Board Hike for Trade Deal Partners

Greer stressed that the tariff adjustments are designed to 'maintain continuity' and accommodate countries that have signed trade agreements with the United States, including the European Union and the United Kingdom.

He repeatedly underscored that the revisions would not lead to cumulative tariff increases for certain economies that have already concluded trade deals with Washington — a signal viewed as positive for U.S. partners concerned about facing higher effective tariff burdens under a 15% baseline.

Greer added that the administration intends to ensure the tariff adjustments follow proper legal procedures.

China Tariffs to Remain at Current Levels

At the same time, Greer said the Trump administration does not plan to raise tariffs on Chinese goods beyond current levels, as President Trump is preparing to visit China in the coming weeks.

'We expect the current level to remain in place. We do not intend to escalate matters to a higher level. We intend to truly adhere to the agreements previously reached,' Greer said.

Trump is expected to travel to China from March 31 to April 2 to discuss extending the tariff truce between the world's two largest economies. U.S. officials are seeking to keep cumulative tariffs on Chinese imports within a 35% to 50% range, depending on product categories.

Greer also confirmed that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will continue pursuing Section 301 investigations, including new probes into issues such as excess capacity, industrial subsidies and forced labor in countries such as Indonesia.

In addition, Washington will move forward with its Section 301 review of China's compliance with the Phase One trade agreement, potentially paving the way for further tariff actions.

Legal Shift After Supreme Court Ruling

The tariff escalation follows a series of rapid policy adjustments:

• On Feb. 21, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that Trump's previous large-scale 'reciprocal tariffs' and 'fentanyl tariffs', imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), exceeded executive authority and were invalid.

• The administration quickly pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, implementing a temporary 10% global ad valorem tariff for up to 150 days starting Feb. 24, with certain product exemptions.

• Trump subsequently posted on Truth Social threatening to immediately raise the rate to 15%, fueling confusion among markets and trade partners.

• U.S. Customs formally announced on Feb. 22 the termination of the reciprocal and fentanyl tariffs effective Feb. 24.

• On Feb. 23, Customs issued a separate notice confirming the 10% temporary tariff on goods from all countries and regions beginning Feb. 24.

China Responds

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Feb. 25 that China has 'earnestly fulfilled' its obligations under the bilateral agreement, urging the U.S. side not to shift blame or use the issue to provoke new disputes.

The latest developments mark a critical juncture in U.S. trade policy, as the Trump administration recalibrates its tariff framework while attempting to balance domestic legal constraints, global trade relations and high-stakes negotiations with China.