On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump officially implemented a 15 percent flat duty on imported goods entering the USA. This executive decision activates Trump’s new tariffs globally. It directly bypasses a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his previous trade measures. Consequently, the policy impacts countries worldwide. It raises immediate concerns for European and Nordic markets relying on transatlantic exports.
The legal maneuver and Section 122
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently ruled against the president. It stated he lacked the authority to impose broad duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This ruling exposed the USA government to potential refund claims. Importers had already paid an estimated $200 billion (approximately €184 billion). Following this legal defeat, the USA administration immediately shifted its strategy.
The President invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This specific law grants the executive branch power to establish duties of up to 15 percent. These duties last for a maximum of 150 days. They address fundamental international payment problems without requiring approval from the USA Congress. Therefore, Trump’s new tariffs entered into force immediately. They replaced the invalidated system with a uniform global rate.
Consequences for European and Nordic trade
The implementation of a flat 15 percent rate alters the landscape of global trade. Previously, some states negotiated specific exemptions or lower rates under the IEEPA framework. The new uniform system erases these relative advantages. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) quickly responded to the sudden policy shift. The European Parliament suspended the ratification process of a recently negotiated trade agreement with Washington. It demanded clarity on future trade relations.
For Nordic countries, the impact remains significant. Export-heavy sectors face immediate cost increases when exporting to the USA. These include the Scandinavian pharmaceutical industry and technology manufacturing. The Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 reported on this issue. The network stated that the unexpected measure creates new uncertainties for local businesses navigating the transatlantic market.
Long-term strategies and investigations
The current legal provision restricts Trump’s new tariffs to a 150-day window. However, the USA administration is already preparing alternative methods. It aims to maintain the import taxes permanently. Officials plan to launch investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This law allows the government to restrict imports based on national security concerns.
European governments expect these investigations to target critical sectors. These sectors include clean energy equipment, chemicals, and telecommunications. The USA currently seeks to replace the temporary measures. Meanwhile, international partners brace for prolonged instability in commercial agreements.
