Trump is invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974
Trump is invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, enabling him to bypass Congress and impose a 15% tax on imports from around the world. The new tariffs would come under a law that restricts them to 150 days.
This is the new baseline, often layering on top of the already active, higher-duty, or industry-specific measures such as:
•Section 232 – National Security Tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and softwood lumber
•Sector-Specific Duties: Tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics
•Furniture and Household Goods: current 25% tariff on certain upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities
Textiles and apparel from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua will remain duty-free under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement.