US set to announce new tariff plan as temporary 10% duty nears expiry

The White House on Thursday said the Trump administration will make an announcement on tariffs later in the day, just hours before a temporary 10 per cent global import duty imposed by President Donald Trump is due to expire.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer would provide details of the administration's next steps.

"I would just tell you to stay tuned for more details," Leavitt said when asked about the approaching deadline.

The temporary 10 per cent tariff was introduced after the US Supreme Court struck down a broader set of Trump-era duties in February. The replacement levy, however, was authorised for only 150 days and is scheduled to expire on Friday.

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Fresh tariffs planned on around 60 economies

The Trump administration has already prepared a new round of tariffs targeting about 60 economies, citing concerns over forced labour practices. The proposed duties, ranging from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent, could affect imports from major US trading partners including India, China and the European Union.

The measures follow a months-long investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 and are expected to provide a stronger legal basis than the earlier tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.

However, officials have not confirmed when the new duties will formally take effect.

Greer told reporters on Wednesday that the administration was focused on completing the required legal process rather than meeting a specific deadline.

"We're not focused on any particular timeline. We're focused on fulfilling the legal and statutory requirements," he said.

Businesses brace for uncertainty

Trade experts say there could be a brief gap between the expiry of the current tariff regime and the implementation of the new measures, creating temporary uncertainty for businesses importing goods into the United States.

Ryan Majerus, a trade lawyer at King & Spalding, said the administration appears to be seeking greater flexibility to impose or modify tariffs as circumstances evolve.

He noted that Section 301 gives the government broader authority than many businesses realise, allowing tariff rates to be adjusted after implementation if new developments arise.

The administration is also conducting separate Section 301 investigations into 16 economies over concerns about excess industrial capacity, potentially paving the way for additional tariff increases in the future.

Trading partners watch closely

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the new tariff regime, some US trading partners expect existing trade agreements to remain in force.

The European Union said it expects Washington to honour commitments made under the recently concluded EU-US trade agreement.

EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill said Brussels expects tariffs on most European goods to remain capped at 15 per cent, in line with the joint statement agreed by both sides.

The tariff announcement is being closely watched by major trading partners, including India, as New Delhi and Washington continue negotiations on an interim bilateral trade agreement.

With inputs from agencies