Trump Raises Global Tariffs to 15% Following Supreme Court Ruling: What It Means for Crypto and Stocks

Posted on by

TLDR

  • Trump increased global tariffs from 10% to 15%, declaring the change “effective immediately” on Truth Social
  • The day prior, the Supreme Court invalidated his use of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authority in a 6-3 decision
  • Trump is now invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which restricts tariffs to a 150-day period
  • Bitcoin remained stable around $68,000 and Ethereum hovered near $1,976 despite the development
  • The Total3 crypto market capitalization fell by less than 1%, demonstrating unusual resilience

President Donald Trump announced Saturday he is raising global tariffs from 10% to 15%, one day after the Supreme Court blocked his previous tariff plan.

US Government, United States, Donald Trump
Source: Donald Trump, Truth Social

Trump shared the announcement on Truth Social, stating the new rate is “effective immediately.” He also cautioned that additional tariffs would be implemented in the months ahead.

On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling that Trump had improperly used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. Trump described the decision as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American.”

He also publicly rebuked Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, who sided with the majority.

Following the ruling, Trump shifted to a different legal approach. On Friday, he announced a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, then increased it to 15% on Saturday.

Pro-crypto lawyer Adam Cochran pointed out that the new legal pathway has restrictions. He explained the law only permits tariffs on countries with which the U.S. has a trade deficit, for a maximum of 150 days, and at a limited rate.

Extending the tariffs beyond 150 days would require congressional approval. This establishes a firm deadline for how long the tariffs can remain in effect without new legislation.

How Crypto Markets Responded

Bitcoin held firm near $68,000 through both the Friday and Saturday announcements. Ethereum also remained close to $1,976 with minimal fluctuation.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price

The Total3 indicator, which monitors the entire crypto market excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, declined by less than 1% on Saturday. It stayed around $713 billion.

This marks a departure from previous patterns. Earlier tariff announcements by Trump led to significant sell-offs in both crypto and stock markets.

What Happens Next for Tariffs and Markets

A White House fact sheet issued Friday stated the initial 10% tariffs were scheduled to start on Tuesday, February 24, at 12:01 a.m. ET. It is unclear if official documents for the new 15% rate have been signed.

The White House did not reply to media inquiries seeking clarification on the timing.

Trump is set to give his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday. The new tariff rate and its legal validity are anticipated to be closely scrutinized leading up to that speech.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at roughly $68,011 and Ethereum at $1,976.