Trump Announces Doubling of Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to Boost Domestic Industry

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday a significant escalation in his administration’s trade policies, stating that tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will be raised to 50 percent from the current 25 percent. The decision, which the president outlined during a rally near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is expected to intensify existing trade tensions and place further strain on international steel producers.

“We are going to be imposing a 25 percent increase. We’re going to bring it from 25 percent to 50 percent—the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will further secure the steel industry in the United States,” Trump declared to a crowd of supporters. His remarks came alongside the announcement of a $14.9 billion agreement between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, a deal he hailed as a victory for American manufacturing and workers. Trump asserted that both the deal and tariff hike would serve as strong measures to protect jobs in the domestic steel sector.

Shortly after the rally, Trump clarified that the increased tariff would also be applied to aluminum products. These new tariffs are slated to take effect on June 4. “Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before,” he said in a post on Truth Social, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to revitalizing key American industries through what he described as bold economic action.

The president also took aim at China, alleging that the country had violated a prior agreement with the United States to roll back mutual tariffs and restrictions on critical minerals. However, he did not elaborate on the specific nature of the violations or detail any forthcoming retaliatory actions against Beijing.

Tariffs on steel and aluminum imports were among Trump’s earliest policy moves after taking office in January, with 25 percent duties initially imposed in March. While there had been prior threats of a 50 percent levy targeting Canadian steel, these were ultimately retracted. The latest move represents a sweeping escalation, as duties under Section 232 national security authority now cover a broad range of raw metals and derivative products—including stainless steel sinks, gas ranges, air conditioner coils, horseshoes, frying pans, and door hinges.

According to government data, the combined value of imported steel and aluminum in 2024 reached $147.3 billion across 289 product categories, with aluminum making up nearly two-thirds of the total. The U.S. stands as the world’s largest steel importer outside the European Union, with over 26.2 million tonnes brought in this year alone. Industry analysts warn that the steeper tariffs are likely to drive up steel prices domestically, impacting manufacturers and consumers alike through higher input costs and potentially leading to increased prices for a wide variety of finished goods.

As the trade war shows signs of deepening, businesses and foreign governments are expected to monitor the fallout closely, gauging the long-term impact of the administration’s protectionist stance on the broader economy and global supply chains.