Remaining Tariffs to Hike Prices, Experts Warn

Trump vows to maintain and expand tariffs despite Supreme Court ruling limiting his authority.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After the Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump's tariffs, a new set of levies remains in place, including a 10% global tariff and sector-specific duties as high as 50%. Experts say these tariffs will continue to push up prices for consumers, with an average household facing an additional $800 in costs over the next 150 days if the 10% tariff is raised to 15% as Trump has threatened.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling has changed the tariff landscape, with some products seeing relief while others face ongoing or even increased costs. This will impact both businesses and consumers, who may have to pay more for a wide range of goods from electronics to canned goods and children's products.

The details

The Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPPA) does not authorize Trump to impose tariffs, nullifying 70% of his tariffs after they collected more than $140 billion. However, the president is now using alternative legal statutes like Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to enact new tariffs, including a 10% global tariff that took effect this week. Trump has vowed to raise that to 15%, which could add $800 in costs for the average U.S. household over 150 days. Sector-specific tariffs under Section 232 also remain in place, including 50% duties on steel and aluminum that are pushing up prices for various consumer products.

  • On February 20, 2026, President Trump criticized the Supreme Court's 'very unfortunate ruling' limiting his tariff authority.
  • On February 24, 2026, a new 10% global tariff took effect under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
  • Within 150 days, Trump has threatened to raise the Section 122 tariff to 15%.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has aggressively used tariffs as part of his trade policy, and is now seeking alternative legal avenues to maintain and expand tariffs despite the Supreme Court's ruling.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who has said Democrats will oppose an extension of the Section 122 tariffs beyond the initial 150-day period.

Jason Miller

A professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University who says tariffs will continue to push up prices, even as the overall tariff rate has decreased.

Raymond Robertson

A professor for trade, economics and public policy at Texas A&M University who estimates the 15% Section 122 tariff could add $800 in costs for the average U.S. household over 150 days.

Jamieson Greer

The U.S. Trade Representative who said the Trump administration plans to maintain sector-specific tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen tariffs pushing up on prices. That won't go away.”

— Jason Miller, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University (ABC News)

“That's hundreds of dollars that you're going to be paying as a result of these tariffs.”

— Raymond Robertson, Professor for Trade, Economics and Public Policy, Texas A&M University (ABC News)

“These tariffs are hitting across the board.”

— Raymond Robertson, Professor for Trade, Economics and Public Policy, Texas A&M University (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Trump to extend the Section 122 tariffs beyond the initial 150-day period, which would require congressional approval.

The takeaway

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling limiting his tariff authority, President Trump is determined to maintain and even expand tariffs using alternative legal statutes. This will continue to drive up prices for consumers on a wide range of products, further straining household budgets at a time of economic uncertainty.