Trump Increases Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to 50% with New Executive Action

On June 3, President Trump announced an increase in steel and aluminum tariffs from 25% to a hefty 50%, effective June 4. this move aligns with his commitment to bolster domestic manufacturing through higher import taxes.

The president justified this decision as essential for national security purposes.

The directive indicated that previous tariff levels had not sufficiently enabled local industries to achieve necessary production capacity for both economic health and national defense requirements.

“Raising these tariffs will better support our industries and mitigate any national security risks associated with imported steel and aluminum,” stated the order shared by the White House on social media platform X.

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A crane operates at a steel plant in Hamilton,Ontario. (James MacDonald/Bloomberg News)

The existing metals tariffs on UK imports will remain unchanged at their current level while both nations aim to finalize new trade terms by July 9.

A significant aspect of last month’s discussions was focused on reducing trade barriers related to steel; however, there was no consensus regarding how much relief would be granted for British steel exports, leaving the deal pending implementation.

This latest tariff hike adds fuel to ongoing trade tensions as the U.S. engages with various trading partners over reciprocal duties ahead of that same July deadline.

The legal foundation supporting Trump’s ability to impose such tariffs is becoming increasingly tenuous after a recent court ruling invalidated many other duties enacted under emergency legislation; however,his metals levies were not impacted by this ruling. The president remains determined to raise tariffs while pushing countries towards favorable negotiations.

This announcement came during Trump’s speech at a United States Steel plant where he also supported nippon Steel Corp.’s acquisition of the company but assured workers it would retain some American oversight.

“This means your industry won’t be taken away,” he told employees. “At a rate of just 25%, they can manage; but once we hit that 50%, its game over.” He later confirmed via social media that aluminum tariffs would match this increase as well.
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The administration is currently embroiled in legal disputes concerning most of its imposed tariffs under international emergency powers; though, as these metal duties were established through different authority channels, they remain unaffected by those challenges.

 
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