Temporary 10% US tariff takes effect: supply-chain consequences and industry response

From 24 February 2026 the United States has applied a προσωρινός 10% tariff on most imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective for up to 150 days and aimed at addressing international payments imbalances and rebalancing trade in favor of US workers, farmers and manufacturers.

Legal switch and practical consequences

The tariff followed a US Supreme Court decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) cannot be used to impose tariffs, overturning the authority previously cited by President Donald Trump. Economists at the Penn Wharton Budget Model estimated that tariffs implemented under IEEPA previously generated around $175bn in collections.

To maintain import levies, the Administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, issuing a 10% temporary duty via executive order on 20 February. That levy is time-limited (up to 150 days) but could be renewed, scaled, or replaced by further measures.

Which goods are excluded and why it matters to logistics

Certain product groups are excluded because they were already covered under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Exemptions include some critical minerals, γεωργικός products, φαρμακευτικά προϊόντα and pharmaceutical ingredients, and some αυτοκίνητα products such as heavy-duty trucks. From a logistics perspective, exclusions driven by national-security or supply-chain sensitivity can redirect freight flows, change carrier mixes and require adjustments to inventory and routing strategies.

International political and trade reactions

Το Ευρωπαϊκός Commission has demanded clarity on how the US intends to proceed in light of the Supreme Court ruling, warning that the current uncertainty undermines efforts to maintain “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” transatlantic trade as pledged in the EU‑US Joint Statement of August 2025. The EC emphasised that a deal is a deal and expects commitments to be honoured.

UK stakeholders are watching closely. James Mills, head of trade policy at Εφοδιαστική UK, noted the US is the UK’s largest single-country export market (about one sixth of UK exports), so any shifts in tariff arrangements have real consequences for British exporters, freight forwarders and haulage providers. Parcelhero’s David Jinks warned that a deeper tariff increase could inflict heavier damage on the UK export position than on some competitors.

Industry response and supply-chain adjustments

Businesses have already shifted sourcing and routing in anticipation of tariff risk. Alex Saric of spend management firm Ivalua highlighted that companies restructured networks, accepted margin hits and invested in diversification; a change in legal rationale does not undo operational disruption.

Practical steps for shippers and logistics managers

• Re-assess sourcing strategies: Avoid lurching back to single-region sourcing; maintain multi-sourcing to mitigate tariff volatility.
• Ενημέρωση landed-cost models: Include temporary duty scenarios and potential margin erosion in pricing algorithms.
• Adjust inventory buffers: Short-term inventory can smooth supply but increases warehousing and distribution costs.
• Engage customs and freight-forwarding partners: Clarify tariff treatment, classification and potential refund procedures.
• Communicate with customers: Make delivery expectations, surcharge triggers, and lead‑time changes transparent.

What logistics operators should monitor now

• Official US tariff schedules and customs rulings
• Sector-specific exemptions and their documentation requirements
• Currency and commodity price movements that affect landed cost
• Requests for refunds or retrospective duties from importers

Supply-chain volatility: a new normal

The Supreme Court decision clarifies the legal basis but does not erase operational damage. Many companies have already paid the price of network changes, and the risk of new levies under alternative authorities remains. In short: trade volatility is less of a blip and more of a permanent feature of modern logistics—plan for it.

Potential short- and medium-term freight impacts

• Short term: re-pricing of sea and air freight tenders, changes to container routing, and increased customs queries.
• Medium term: shifts in distribution patterns, regional warehousing expansion, and growth in nearshoring or friendshoring activity.

Case in point—what carriers and 3PLs might face

Carriers and 3PLs could see tender volatility, with shippers requesting new routing options or surcharges. Trucking and last‑mile partners may experience mixed demand—some lanes tightening while others fall away. It’s like rearranging deck chairs on a moving ship: messy, but necessary.

Key takeaways for decision-makers

• Maintain flexible procurement and transport plans.
• Model multiple tariff scenarios into pricing and contract strategy.
• Communicate early with customers and partners about possible cost pass‑through.
• Work with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure compliance and minimise delays.

Highlights: the 10% temporary tariff introduces immediate cost pressure on imports and forces freight re-evaluation; excluded sectors (pharma, certain auto goods, critical minerals) will see different operational outcomes; uncertainty remains because measures can be extended or replaced. Even the most thorough reviews and honest feedback can’t stand in for hands-on experience—nothing beats testing a routing or booking a shipment in the real world. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize the platform’s transparency and convenience: it simplifies booking, offers competitive options for office and home moves, cargo deliveries, vehicle and bulky goods transport, and helps compare carriers quickly. Book now GetTransport.com.com

In summary, the shift to a προσωρινός 10% tariff effective 24 February 2026 tightens the screws on import landed costs, prompts urgent reassessment of sourcing and routing, and underscores the need for dynamic supply-chain planning. Freight and logistics teams should update tariffs in costing tools, coordinate with customs and forwarders, and be ready to adapt warehousing and distribution strategies. For companies seeking reliable and cost‑effective solutions to move cargo, freight, parcels, pallets, containers and bulky items across international lanes, GetTransport.com aligns well with these needs by offering an accessible platform for booking transport, comparing haulage and courier options, and streamlining dispatch and delivery. Whether you manage a housemove, relocation, or international distribution, this approach helps keep shipment, shipping and forwarding decisions practical and resilient in a shifting global trade environment.