Trump imposes new double-digit tariffs, sparking anger from US trading partners

Former President Trump has reinstituted significant tariffs on a range of goods from the United Kingdom, the European Union, and numerous other global trading partners. This action follows a February 2026 Supreme Court ruling that deemed many of his previous tariffs, enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), illegal. The new double-digit tariffs are being imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a measure typically used to address unfair trade practices, including those related to forced labor concerns.

Economically, these tariffs are anticipated to largely impact American consumers and businesses, as analyses from institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Kiel Institute indicate that approximately 90% to 96% of tariff costs are typically borne by domestic importers and consumers through higher prices. This burden can translate into increased costs for everyday products and potentially limit consumer choices, despite arguments from the Trump administration that such tariffs benefit American manufacturing and employment.

Internationally, the renewed tariffs are already causing shifts in global trade dynamics and reigniting debates over their broader impact. While the UK had a prior economic prosperity deal, the new tariffs have reduced the EU's overall tariff rate to 10%, putting the EU at a comparative advantage over the UK in certain sectors not covered by specific carve-outs in existing agreements. Such protectionist measures typically lead to market instability, disruptions in supply chains, and a risk of retaliatory tariffs from affected nations.