The United States has initiated a 15% across-the-board tariff on all imports, effective February 24, 2026, following a contentious Supreme Court ruling that struck down sweeping levies imposed by former President Donald Trump in 2025. The decision marks a pivotal moment in U.S. trade policy, with analysts warning of potential disruptions to global supply chains and retaliatory measures from trading partners.
Trump announced the new tariffs earlier this week, framing them as a necessary step to protect American industries. However, critics argue the move risks escalating trade tensions and destabilizing markets already grappling with inflationary pressures. The tariffs apply universally, diverging from previous measures that targeted specific countries.
Business leaders across Asia are closely monitoring the situation, particularly export-driven economies like the Republic of Korea and Japan. A spokesperson for the ASEAN Secretariat noted the bloc is evaluating contingency plans to mitigate economic fallout. Meanwhile, financial markets reacted cautiously, with regional indices in Asia showing mixed performance at the close of trading on Tuesday.
