#TrumpAnnouncesNewTariffs

A New Act in the Trade Wars and Global Turbulence
The global trading system is experiencing one of the most volatile and uncertain weeks in history this February 2026. The #TrumpAnnouncesNewTariffs hashtag has taken center stage in the world economy as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up his trade policies. However, this latest move is not merely a tax hike; it is a massive chess game played out between the judiciary, the executive branch, and international diplomacy.
Here is the anatomy of the new tariff crisis, supported by confirmed data and current developments as of February 2026:
1. The Judicial Blow and Trump’s "Rapid Response" Strategy
It all began on February 20, 2026, when the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled that the use of the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act)—upon which Trump based his previous "Independence Day" tariffs—was unconstitutional. Rather than backing down, Trump launched a counter-offensive within hours using a new legal framework.
New Legal Basis: Trump bypassed the IEEPA and invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to initiate a new wave of tariffs against global imports.
Rate Hike: The global tariff rate, initially announced at 10%, was increased to 15% following a social media statement by Trump on February 21. This rate can be implemented for 150 days without the need for Congressional approval.
2. Sectoral and Country-Based Impacts: Who Pays What?
The new tariffs are not just general "customs duties"; they are a sharp blade targeting specific sectors.
Steel and Aluminum: Tariffs in these sectors remain at the 50% level. Primary aluminum from Canada is among the items most affected by this stance.
The Automotive Revolution: A 25% tax pressure persists on vehicles and parts imported from Mexico and Canada. Trump describes this move as a necessity to "revitalize the U.S. manufacturing industry."
Canada and Mexico Exceptions: While a large portion of products complying with USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement) standards retain their 0% tax advantage, non-standard products or those in categories like "energy/potash" face new taxes ranging from 10% to 35%.
3. Global Response: "Reciprocity" and the Poison of Uncertainty
World leaders are adopting increasingly stern language against Trump's "unilateral" decisions.
The European Stance: French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are presenting a united European front, stating that the principle of "reciprocity" will be applied against the U.S.
Corporate Backlash: Logistics giants like FedEx have begun filing lawsuits against the government to reclaim billions of dollars in tariff refunds paid prior to the Supreme Court's ruling.
Macroeconomic Analysis: What is the Bill for the Consumer?
According to data from the Tax Foundation, economists project that these new 10-15% tariffs will result in an additional annual cost of $400 to $1,000 per American household. In a period where inflation remains fragile, the debate over whether these levies constitute a "consumer tax" has deeply divided the U.S. public.