Trump's New Tariffs Start at Lower Rate Amid Confusion US President Donald Trump's new global tariffs have officially taken effect at 10%, lower than initially promised. The move comes after the Supreme Court blocked some of his broader import tax plans last Friday. Trump initially announced a 10% global tariff, then suggested it could rise to 15%. Official documents, however, show the rate started at 10% from Tuesday, with no immediate instructions to raise it. A White House official told Reuters that the administration is working to update the rate to 15%, but the timing remains unclear. Businesses Face Uncertainty Carsten Brzeski, an analyst at investment bank ING, said the rapid changes "add to the chaos and mess" for businesses. He warned that the risk of a full-scale trade war is now higher than last year. Trump’s executive order Friday stated the temporary 10% duty is meant to "address fundamental international payments problems and continue the Administration's work to rebalance trade relationships in favor of American workers, farmers, and manufacturers." The tariffs are being applied under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, allowing the president to impose them for 150 days without Congress approval. Trade Deficit Concerns The president argues tariffs help reduce America’s trade deficit, which reached $1.2 trillion last year, up 2.1% from 2024. The US has already collected at least $130 billion in tariffs using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, the Supreme Court ruled last Friday that Trump overstepped his authority with IEEPA-based tariffs. This raises the chance for businesses to claim refunds. FedEx has already filed for a "full refund" on taxes paid, and campaign group We Pay The Tariffs represents over 900 US companies demanding refunds. Experts doubt the government will return the money quickly, with Trump warning the matter could be contested in courts for up to five years. Justice Brett Kavanaugh called the refund process "likely to be a mess." Mixed Reactions from Businesses Fraser Smeaton, CEO of UK costume company Morph Costumes, said paying the 10% tariff instead of 20% is a relief. But uncertainty remains. His business imports products from China and exports to the US, and he has had to reserve funds in case of sudden tariff changes. Many companies, including his, are tracking payments to claim refunds on unlawful IEEPA tariffs. Smeaton asked, "The fact that we're at 10% rather than 20% is better, but will it stay that way?" The fast-changing tariff policies have left businesses scrambling to adapt, with potential global trade repercussions looming.
BusinessUnited States

Trump’s New Tariffs Start at Lower Rate Amid Confusion

US President Donald Trump's new global tariffs have officially taken effect at…

Eddie Jones Sees Echoes of His Own Exit in England’s Loss to Ireland Former England head coach Eddie Jones says Saturday’s defeat to Ireland brought back memories of the bitter end of his own time in charge. The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium reminded him of Twickenham after his last game. England came into the Six Nations hoping to win their first title since 2020, but back-to-back heavy defeats, including a loss to Scotland in round two, have put their campaign in jeopardy. Some home fans left the stadium early against Ireland, and fly-half George Ford was ironically cheered for finding touch after earlier mistakes. Feeling the Weight of the Loss “I felt sick at the end of the game,” Jones said on his Rugby Unity podcast. “The stadium felt half-empty, the sky grey, and the fans who stayed seemed ready to vent. It was an eerie feeling.” Jones left England after a 27-13 loss to South Africa in November 2022, and he was sacked ten days later after winning just five of 12 matches that year. Looking Too Far Ahead Jones also suggested that England head coach Steve Borthwick made a mistake before the tournament by publicly talking about aiming for the title. “Steve made comments about the France game that were unusual for him,” Jones said. “Looking too far ahead can be dangerous. Players, their partners, even families read it. Suddenly they start thinking about hotels, dinners, tickets for Paris, instead of the game in front of them. That small shift in focus can affect a team.” France currently leads the Six Nations with maximum points, while England faces a crucial match against Italy on March 7. A loss there could leave them at the bottom of the table. Leadership and Emotional Control Jones believes England’s main issue is emotional control, which affects preparation and leadership on the field. “Sometimes it’s one player not fully committed, or a leadership gap. Any of these can cause a drop in performance.” He stressed that team leaders need to pull everyone together, both on and off the field. He also questioned Borthwick’s decision to start Henry Pollock, a Northampton back row player. Pollock’s Best Role Pollock impressed by beating defenders, winning a turnover, and making the most tackles, but Jones thinks he’s more effective coming off the bench. “He’s like Bobby Skinstad—strong and athletic, but more suited to 20-minute bursts. Playing a full 80 minutes in the back row requires a grind, and that might not be his game.”
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Eddie Jones Sees Echoes of His Own Exit in England’s Loss to Ireland

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Hakimi Accused of Rape Paris St-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will go on trial after a woman accused him of raping her at his home in Paris in 2023. She was 24 at the time. Hakimi denies the allegations. The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, a suburb of western Paris, started an investigation in March 2023. Hakimi wrote on X, "Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial. This is as unfair to the innocent as it is to genuine victims. I calmly await this trial so the truth can come out." Lawyer Confirms Trial Hakimi’s lawyer confirmed that a trial has been officially ordered. He said, "We await this trial with determination so that justice may be served." No date has been set yet. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office has not commented further. Hakimi’s Career Highlights Born in Spain but playing for Morocco, Hakimi has made 194 appearances for Paris St-Germain. He helped PSG win Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season. Despite the ongoing case, he is included in PSG’s squad for their upcoming Champions League second-leg match against Monaco. Hakimi was recently named in the FIFPro Men’s World Team of the Year at the Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris. Looking Ahead to the World Cup Hakimi will also represent Morocco at the World Cup this summer. Morocco will play Scotland, Haiti, and Brazil in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
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Hakimi Accused of Rape

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