U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to increase tariffs on foreign imports of steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, escalating pressure on global metal producers and intensifying ongoing trade tensions.
Speaking at a rally near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trump highlighted a new agreement between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, emphasizing that both the deal and the tariff hike aim to protect jobs for American steelworkers.
“We are going to bring tariffs from 25% to 50% on steel entering the United States, which will further secure the steel industry in our country,” Trump told the crowd. He later added that the increased tariff would also apply to aluminum products, taking effect on June 4. “Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before,” he wrote on his social media platform.
Trump accused China of violating a mutual agreement to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions on critical minerals but did not provide specifics on the alleged violation or potential actions against Beijing.
The initial 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports were among the first trade measures implemented by Trump when he took office in January. These tariffs, enacted under the Section 232 national security authority, cover both raw metals and derivative products, including items like stainless steel sinks and aluminum frying pans.
The United States, excluding the European Union, is the world’s largest steel importer, bringing in 26.2 million tons in 2024, according to the Department of Commerce. The total import value for the 289 affected product categories was $147.3 billion, with nearly two-thirds being aluminum and one-third steel, based on Census Bureau data.
Industry experts warn that the new tariffs are likely to increase steel and aluminum prices across the board, impacting both manufacturers and consumers.
