Trump’s 10% “global tariff” takes effect today; the timetable for implementing the 15% tariff has not yet been finalized.

Trump’s 10% “global tariff” has officially taken effect today. According to CCTV News, the US White House recently announced a 10% ad valorem import tariff on goods imported into the United States, lasting 150 days, effective at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on February 24. Media reports citing an unnamed government official say the White House is preparing a formal order to raise the global tariff benchmark to 15%, but the timetable for implementation has not yet been finalized. Uncertainty is quickly spilling over to negotiation tables and corporate decision-making. Major trade partners including the EU and India have suspended relevant arrangements due to unclear policy prospects. Trade Act Section 122 “relay,” 10% tariff gets 150-day window According to Bloomberg, Trump is invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 this time, which allows tariffs to be imposed for up to 150 days without congressional approval. The White House switched to this route because the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s previous use of emergency powers to launch so-called “reciprocal tariffs” was illegal, forcing him to change tools to maintain the tariff framework. The new executive order retains some exemptions, including certain critical minerals, metals used for currency and bullion, energy and energy products; natural resources and fertilizers that cannot be grown, mined, or otherwise produced in the United States. These exemptions make the effective tax rate lower than the nominal rate, and cause the actual impact to vary across different countries and industries. 15% uncertainty stirs global negotiations, EU and India hit pause Whether the rate will be raised to 15% and when it will be raised has become the biggest variable at present. Media reports say unclear signals have caused confusion worldwide; governments and multinational companies are reassessing existing trade agreements to evaluate the boundaries and cost changes under this latest threat. The EU announced Monday it will freeze the approval process for agreements with the US until Trump clarifies his latest tariff plan. India has similarly postponed talks scheduled in the US this week, originally meant to finalize a temporary trade agreement. Meanwhile, Trump also warned on Monday that partners who “play games” on existing agreements will face higher tariffs. The “tariff wall” toolbox: Section 301 and Section 232 are slower and less flexible Trump’s team has reiterated that tariffs remain the core of its trade policy and plans to initiate investigations on a faster timetable, allowing for tariff hikes without Congressional involvement, aiming to rebuild the tariff system “destroyed” by court decisions. Bloomberg points out, however, that the authorities currently referenced by the White House—such as Section 301 and Section 232—are less flexible than previous emergency powers, and related investigations may take months to complete; no new investigation has been announced so far. In response to the court ruling, government officials have asked trade partners to continue honoring agreements made with the US over the past year. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on CBS's “Face the Nation”: “We hope they understand these agreements are good agreements; we will abide by them, and we hope partners do as well.” However, this statement has not completely eased major economies’ concerns about policy shifts. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on the same program, “It is crucial that global trade gets clarity from the US government.” Implemented before the State of the Union address, public opinion games heat up Trump is about to deliver his State of the Union address to Congress, with some Democrats and Republicans opposing parts of his trade policy in attendance. Bloomberg reports the speech is expected to focus on the economic agenda. The Republican Party is trying to craft midterm election messaging to address voter discontent over living costs. Public pressure is rising. According to a joint survey by The Washington Post, ABC, and Ipsos, 64% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of tariffs, while only 34% approve. Risk warnings and disclaimer The market carries risks; investment requires caution. This article does not constitute individual investment advice, nor does it take into account the special investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their specific situation. Investment based on this is at one's own risk.