Europe warns trade deals at risk after U.S. imposes 15% global tariff
Feb 23rd 2026
President Trump announced an immediate 15% global import tariff after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his earlier tariffs policy, prompting alarm from EU and U.K. officials who are seeking legal clarity on existing trade deals.
- Trump announced an immediate 15% tariff on all imports after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier global tariffs policy.
- The 15% rate is the legal maximum that can stay in place for 150 days without Congressional approval.
- The White House shifted to a different legal framework and a U.S. Trade Representative said trade deals signed last year still stand.
- EU and U.K. officials expressed alarm and requested clarity on whether their deals will be honored or need renegotiation.
- The European Parliament trade committee scheduled an emergency meeting and may propose suspending the U.S.-EU deal pending legal assessment.
- Analysis shows the U.K. could face a 2.1 percentage point rise in its average tariff rate while the EU faces a 0.8 point rise.
- European markets fell and ECB President Christine Lagarde warned the tariff move increases trade uncertainty and could disrupt business relations