Trump prepares fresh tariff push on 60 countries after SCOTUS setback: Reports
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is preparing to launch a fresh round of tariffs on dozens of countries as early as this week, reviving his global trade agenda through a new legal strategy after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier reciprocal tariff policy, according to a Financial Times report.
The move would mark the administration's latest effort to restore sweeping import duties even as senior advisers reportedly caution that broader tariffs could worsen inflation, unsettle financial markets and hurt Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
US plans 10%-12.5% tariffs on imports
According to the Financial Times, US officials have drawn up plans to impose tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from around 60 countries after the current temporary tariff regime expires later this week.
Instead of relying on the emergency presidential powers the Supreme Court rejected earlier this year, the administration is expected to use Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing investigations into forced labor practices.
Officials are also pursuing additional trade probes that could later justify even higher duties. Countries reportedly under review include China, India, Japan, the European Union, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, Bangladesh and several Southeast Asian economies.
Advisers urge cautious approach
Behind closed doors, however, some of Trump's senior advisers are reportedly pushing for restraint. According to people familiar with the discussions, officials have urged the president to preserve trade stability and honor agreements Washington negotiated with several partners in 2025 rather than reopen a broader tariff fight.
The debate comes as Americans continue to grapple with rising living costs fueled by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has pushed gasoline prices above $4 per gallon in many areas.
Financial Times polling conducted by Focaldata earlier this month found that more than two-thirds of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living, raising concerns that another tariff escalation could further strain household budgets ahead of the midterms.
Trade war could escalate again
Trump has already signaled his willingness to intensify trade pressure. On Monday, he announced a 50% tariff on Canadian goods after previously imposing a 25% levy on Brazilian imports, reinforcing tariffs as a central pillar of his economic agenda.
The new proposal would effectively restart the broader trade offensive that stalled after the Supreme Court invalidated Trump's reciprocal tariff framework introduced following his April 2025 "Liberation Day" announcement.
While the administration has carved out exemptions for key consumer products and softened some sector-specific duties, the latest plan suggests the White House is determined to rebuild its tariff strategy through more durable legal authorities, setting the stage for another major confrontation with global trading partners.
