US–EU Trade Tensions 2026: Supreme Court Ruling and the New 15% Tariff Explained
Why Are US–EU Trade Tensions Rising in 2026?
The United States and the European Union maintain one of the world’s largest economic partnerships, with annual trade in goods and services worth approximately €1.6–€1.7 trillion.
However, in February 2026, a major legal ruling in Washington triggered fresh uncertainty in transatlantic trade relations.
In this article, we explain:
What the Supreme Court decided
Why a new 15% tariff was introduced
How Europe responded
What this means for global markets
Supreme Court Limits Emergency Tariff Powers
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the President cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad, revenue-generating tariffs.
What the ruling means:
Tariffs are effectively a form of taxation.
Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has primary authority over taxes.
Emergency powers under IEEPA are not sufficient to justify sweeping tariff programs.
As a result, U.S. Customs stopped collecting certain tariffs imposed under IEEPA authority.
⚠ Important clarification:
Not all U.S. tariffs were removed.
Tariffs imposed under:
Section 232 (national security)
Section 301 (unfair trade practices)
remain in force.
This ruling limits one legal tool — it does not dismantle U.S. trade policy entirely.
The New 15% Global Tariff: What Happened?
Shortly after the ruling, the administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Initially announced: 10% global tariff
Later increased to: 15% (the legal maximum under Section 122)
Duration: Temporary, up to 150 days without congressional approval
This rapid policy shift created significant uncertainty for businesses and trading partners.
Although officials argue that trade policy remains stable, markets reacted to the sudden legal pivot.
Europe’s Response: “A Deal Is a Deal”
The European Commission stated that the United States must honor commitments made under the August 2025 US–EU trade understanding.
European officials have expressed concerns about:
Legal predictability
Stability in tariff policy
Long-term reliability of agreements
Discussions have taken place within the European Parliament about delaying ratification steps. However:
✔ The trade agreement has not been formally canceled.
✔ No final vote has permanently frozen the deal.
At this stage, tensions are political and strategic — not a full trade war.
How Could This Impact the Global Economy?
1. Business Uncertainty
Companies delay investment decisions when trade rules become unpredictable.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions
Even temporary tariffs can affect pricing, sourcing, and contract structures.
3. Strategic Diversification
The EU continues pursuing trade partnerships with other regions as part of its broader “de-risking” strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has the US–EU trade deal collapsed?
No. The agreement remains in place, though political uncertainty has increased.
Were all U.S. tariffs struck down?
No. Only certain tariffs imposed under IEEPA were affected.
How long will the 15% tariff remain?
Under Section 122, it can last up to 150 days unless extended through congressional action.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 US–EU trade tensions highlight a deeper issue: the balance between executive power, congressional authority, and global trade stability.
Key takeaways:
The Supreme Court limited emergency tariff authority.
The administration responded with a temporary 15% tariff.
Europe is demanding predictability and legal certainty.
This is not a breakdown of transatlantic trade — but it is a period of legal recalibration and strategic adjustment.
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