US Customs Launches 10% Global Tariff as Legal Pivot From Struck-Down 15% Plan

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The US government has started a new 10% global tariff on almost all imported goods as of 12:01 a.m. ET, 24 February 2026. This emergency surcharge, enacted under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, serves as a temporary replacement for the broader ‘reciprocal’ tariffs recently deemed illegal by the high court.

While the 10% rate is lower than the 15% maximum authorized, the policy effectively ends the duty-free status of billions of dollars in trade, impacting everything from small e-commerce parcels to industrial components. 

Navigating the 150-Day Trade Emergency


The new tax plan is a fast move to keep trade power while following the law. This 10% surcharge is not permanent and is capped at a 150-day duration. It will end in late July 2026 unless Congress makes a new law. Donald Trump says this is needed to help the country’s balance of payments and money problems. Most countries must pay the tax, but some important items like medicine and energy are left out for now.

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According to the official White House proclamation, certain products do not have to pay. "Because of the needs of the United States economy, I determine that the surcharge... shall not apply to [certain] critical minerals, energy products, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics," President Trump stated in the official filing released by The White House.

Products from Canada and Mexico are also safe if they follow North American trade rules. This helps keep prices steady for goods moving across nearby borders.

The "Invisible" Cost: How 10% Global Tariffs Hit Your Wallet


The 10% tax might seem small, but it adds up quickly. This new fee goes on top of taxes that already exist. If a product already has a 25% tax, the total cost now jumps to 35%. Many news reports forget to mention how this hits small online shoppers.

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Packages worth less than $800 usually came into the US without any tax. Now, the ‘de minimis’ rule is not applicable for these shipments. You will likely see this 10% charge added to your total when you check out.

Businesses are also worried about the paperwork and insurance needed for these imports. If a company's insurance bond is too low, its goods could be stuck at the border. This might lead to shipping delays for many popular items.

The next five months will be a busy time for international trade. This 150-day window is a chance for the US to talk with other countries. Nations like India and the UK will try to score special deals before the tax ends in July. For shoppers, prices will probably go up slowly as stores sell their previous stock and buy new, taxed items. We will soon see if this temporary tax becomes a long-term part of the economy.

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