Trump hikes global tariffs to 15%
US president Donald Trump has increased global tariffs on imported products from 10% to 15%, just one day after the Supreme Court ruled against his previous levy.
In April 2025, Trump unveiled an economic plan that included a minimum 10% tariff on nearly all countries.
However, a Supreme Court ruling last week (20 February) saw the majority of judges vote against Trump’s tariffs, stating the president could not legally use his emergency powers to invoke duties.
On a Truth Social post over the weekend, Trump announced he would instead implement a 15% tariff globally in response to the ruling.
On 21 February, Trump described the decision as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American”.
He wrote: “During the next short number of months, the Trump administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of making America great again – greater than ever before.”
He has invoked the 15% tariffs under a law that has never been used before, called Section 122. This law enables Trump to temporarily put tariffs in place up to a maximum of 15% for 150 days.
The move has prompted criticism from Welsh whisky maker Penderyn, which warned that tariffs threaten jobs, investment, and the revival of the UK’s craft distilling sector. Products imported from the UK to the US have faced a 10% tariff since May.
“This is bad news for Welsh whisky and the entire premium malt sector, which is still recalibrating after a turbulent year,” said Penderyn chief executive Stephen Davies.
“It’s equally bad news for the US liquor business, which will see higher prices and fewer choices.”
Spirits sector calls for tariff elimination
Prior to Trump’s immediate tariff hike, trade bodies had responded positively to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) said the decision provided an opportunity to get back to tariff-free trade.
“As the administration navigates the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, we urge them to take this opportunity to secure a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits products with our major trading partners, such as the EU and UK,” said Discus president and CEO Chris Swonger.
“The elimination of tariffs on distilled spirits would provide much-needed certainty for American spirits exporters while helping ease financial pressures on bars, restaurants and retailers at a time when affordability remains a major concern for consumers.”
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) also welcomed the Court’s decision.
“For wine and spirits wholesalers – and the restaurants, bars, retailers, and consumers we serve – certainty and predictability in trade policy are essential,” said Francis Creighton, president and CEO of WSWA.
Creighton said the ruling had restored “clarity” and would “help to stabilise an industry that depends on open markets and longstanding international partnerships”.
Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association, backed the Court’s decision, stating it “creates an important opportunity to reset and get trade policy right”.
He continued: “American whiskey depends on fair treatment, open markets, and a stable global trading environment to compete and to support American jobs – from distilleries and farms to hospitality and export partners around the world.
“We urge the administration to move swiftly to eliminate retaliatory tariffs on distilled spirits and to pursue durable trade agreements that provide long-term certainty. American whiskey, and the broader spirits and hospitality sectors, thrive when trade policy is predictable, reciprocal, and growth-oriented.”
Trade body the Scotch Whisky Association recently revealed a 15% drop in bottles of Scotch shipped to the US since the 10% tariff was implemented.
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