Washington D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will introduce new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, adding to existing duties. This move marks a significant escalation in his trade policy overhaul.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the NFL Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump stated that he will make the official announcement on Monday. He also revealed plans to implement reciprocal tariffs later in the week, matching the rates imposed by other countries on U.S. goods.
“And very simply, it’s, if they charge us, we charge them,” Trump explained, emphasizing a mirror approach to international trade.
The largest suppliers of steel to the U.S. include Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and Vietnam. Canada, rich in hydropower, is the primary source of aluminum, accounting for 79% of U.S. imports in the first 11 months of 2024.
Canadian Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne responded on social media, stating, “Canadian steel and aluminum support key industries in the U.S. from defense, shipbuilding, and auto. We will continue to stand up for Canada, our workers, and our industries.”
Trump also mentioned that while the U.S. government would permit Japan’s Nippon Steel to invest in U.S. Steel, it would not allow the company to acquire a majority stake. Nippon Steel declined to comment on the matter.
During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports, citing national security concerns. Some trading partners were later granted duty-free quotas. Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. maintained certain tariff exemptions and extended new quotas for the European Union, Britain, and Japan.
On February 1, Trump signed executive orders imposing additional tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as increasing tariffs on imports from China. Following widespread opposition and immediate retaliations, he paused the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month to allow for negotiations.
