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The United States has started charging a new 10% tariff on most imported goods, lower than the 15% rate earlier announced by Donald Trump.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that, except for products covered by exemptions, imports will face an additional 10% duty.
The move follows a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which struck down earlier tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump had first announced a temporary global tariff of 10%, before later saying it would be raised to 15%.
However, no explanation was given for why the lower rate is now being applied. A White House official quoted by the Financial Times said the increase to 15% may come later, although Reuters could not immediately confirm this.
Analysts at Deutsche Bank said markets are waiting for more clarity, including possible signals from Trump’s upcoming address to Congress.
The new tariffs took effect at midnight, while the collection of duties cancelled by the court has stopped. Those previous tariffs ranged from 10% to as much as 50%. It is still unclear whether companies will be refunded for payments made under the cancelled system.
Trump also warned countries not to back away from existing trade agreements, saying higher tariffs could be imposed under other laws.
Japan said it had asked the United States to maintain favourable treatment under its current trade agreement. The European Union, United Kingdom and Taiwan also indicated they prefer to keep their existing deals.
Meanwhile, China urged Washington to drop what it called “unilateral tariffs” and said it is open to another round of trade talks.
