US to raise import duties to 15% or higher for selected countries

The United States plans to increase import tariffs for certain countries to 15% or higher, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Speaking to FOX Business, Greer indicated that while a 10% baseline tariff is currently in place, duties for some trading partners will soon rise to 15%, with the possibility of even higher rates for others.

The move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to strengthen U.S. economic leverage and ensure continuity in trade enforcement. Greer emphasized that the administration intends to maintain a consistent approach to tariff policy, aligning new measures with previously implemented trade actions.

In the coming days and weeks, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is expected to launch a series of investigations under existing trade authorities, including Section 301 probes. These investigations will target what the administration describes as unfair trade practices, such as the use of forced labor in supply chains and the creation of industrial overcapacity that distorts global markets.

Under the established procedure, the USTR will publish notices in the Federal Register, open public comment periods, and hold hearings. This process will allow affected countries to respond to U.S. concerns before additional tariffs are formally imposed.

Greer cited Indonesia as one example of a country that could face scrutiny, particularly regarding industrial capacity and practices in sectors such as fisheries. Following each investigation, U.S. authorities will assess whether existing agreements sufficiently address the identified issues and determine the appropriate level of tariffs to apply.

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