U.S. President Donald Trump raised temporary tariffs from 10% to 15% for all countries, including the Republic of Moldova. The new measures, approved on Friday and amended on Saturday, will take effect on Tuesday, February 24. Canada and Mexico remain exempt under the North American trade agreement, according to IPN.
In a social media post on Saturday, Trump explained that he increased the tariffs following the Supreme Court of the United States ruling that much of the April 2025 tariffs were illegal.
The tariffs are imposed under Section 122 of the U.S. Trade Act, which allows a temporary surcharge to correct major imbalances in the balance of payments or other fundamental problems in international payments. The maximum rate is 15%, and the duration cannot exceed 150 days.
The White House clarified that Mexico and Canada are exempt. Critical minerals, pharmaceutical products, certain electronic equipment, and several food products—including tomatoes, oranges, and beef—are also excluded from the tariffs.