Tariff Policy Update: 15% Rate Likely This Week, Treasury Says
A move to a 15% global tariff could happen any day now. Trade policy shifts like this can ripple through supply chains, corporate earnings, market sentiment, and more.


A move to a 15% global tariff could happen any day now. Trade policy shifts like this can ripple through supply chains, corporate earnings, market sentiment, and more.

Rapid changes to U.S. tariff policy created more than volatility — they disrupted assumptions businesses rely on. Here’s what that means for markets and long-term investors.

The S&P 500 index rose 1.7% last week as earnings season kicked off on a largely positive note and President Donald Trump said his proposed 100% additional tariffs on China are “not sustainable.” The index is down 0.4% for the month, but up 13% for the year.

U.S.-China trade clashes are rattling markets, but analysts say the flare-up may follow a familiar pattern: sharp headlines, short-term volatility, then calm.

The S&P 500 slipped 2.4% last week as renewed tariff tensions weighed on markets. Energy led sector losses, while utilities and consumer staples managed gains ahead of a busy earnings week.

The S&P 500 index eased 0.3% last week as the Trump administration unveiled plans for new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks and furniture. With two trading sessions remaining in September, the S&P is up 2.8% for the month and 13% this year.

U.S. trade policy just took a historic turn. Nvidia & AMD can sell AI chips to China again — but must give 15% of that revenue to Washington. Analysts say the move could unlock $20B+ in sales for Nvidia alone.

New U.S. tariffs took effect Thursday, raising import duties on key global partners including India, Switzerland, and Brazil. Here's what it means for global trade.
