US Could Raise Tariffs To 15% This Week, Old Rates May Return In Five Months

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 19:50 IST

Scott Bessent said the Trump administration could raise the universal tariff to 15% this week, with previous tariff regimes expected to return within five months.

The United States could raise its newly imposed universal import tariff from 10% to 15% as early as this week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated.

Speaking to US broadcaster CNBC, Bessent said the proposed increase could be implemented soon as Washington adjusts its trade strategy following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that struck down much of the administration’s earlier tariff framework.

“That’s likely sometime this week," Bessent said when asked about the timeline for raising the universal tariff rate to 15%, according to the report.

Trump last month introduced a 10% universal levy on imports after the Supreme Court invalidated significant parts of his earlier tariff regime.

However, Bessent said the legal authority used to impose the new duties allows them to remain in place for only 150 days (5 months). During that period, US officials are expected to explore alternative legal routes to reinstate the previous tariff structure.

“It’s my strong belief that the tariff rates will go back to their old rate within five months," Bessent said.

He was referring to duties imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which were used by the Trump administration to impose tariffs citing national security concerns and unfair trade practices.

The Section 122 law allows the President to impose the new duties for up to 150 days to address “large and serious" balance-of-payments deficits and “fundamental international payments problems."

News world US Could Raise Tariffs To 15% This Week, Old Rates May Return In Five Months

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