The European Union has asked for clarity from the United States on how its Administration will proceed after the recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court which declared ultra vires —that is, beyond its executive powers— the tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), in response to various threats classified as "emergencies."
Following the court ruling, Trump reacted harshly against the high court, calling the justices who voted against him "a disgrace" and accusing them of undermining presidential authority. At the same time, he emphasized that the ruling does not invalidate all existing tariffs and that those applied for national security reasons and those established under Article 301 "remain fully in effect."
In response, the president signed an executive order within hours under Section 122 of the United States Trade Act of 1974, through which he introduced a universal tariff of 10% on all his trade partners, effective from February 24. Hours later, in a message posted on Truth Social, Trump announced the increase of that rate to 15%, the maximum allowed by law, effective immediately. Section 122 grants the president the authority to maintain this measure for no more than 150 days, unless Congress approves an extension.
The decree includes a series of exemptions for certain products, taking into account the needs of the U.S. economy. Certain critical minerals, energy products, natural resources, and fertilizers that cannot be produced in sufficient quantities in the domestic market are exempt from the new tariff. Certain selected agricultural products are also exempt —among them beef, tomatoes, and oranges— as well as medications and pharmaceutical ingredients, certain electronic products, vehicles and automotive components, aerospace products, informational materials, donations, and accompanied luggage.
The new round of tariffs has generated additional uncertainty about the solidity of trade agreements that the United States has entered into in recent months, including those reached with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and India. The European Commission issued a statement warning that the current climate is not conducive to developing the "fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial" transatlantic trade and investment relationship outlined in the EU-U.S. Joint Declaration of August 2025.
"An agreement is an agreement," emphasized the Commission, reminding that, as the main trading partner of the United States, the EU expects Washington to respect the commitments made in that declaration, just as Brussels will uphold its own. The community institution specified that European exports must continue to receive the most competitive agreed treatment, without tariff increases exceeding the previously established ceiling.
The Commission also warned that tariffs applied unpredictably "are inherently disruptive, undermine confidence and stability in global markets, and create greater uncertainty in international supply chains." Brussels indicated that it maintains direct contact with the U.S. Administration on this matter and reiterated its willingness to continue working to reduce tariffs, as outlined in the Joint Declaration. "The EU's priority is to preserve a stable and predictable transatlantic trade environment while acting as a global standard-bearer for rules-based trade," concluded the Commission.