President Donald Trump announced that he is imposing 25 percent import tariffs on all steel and aluminum entering the U.S.
The new U.S. duties will be enforced “without exceptions or exemptions”, said the President. Trump originally imposed tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum during his first term and in 2018 introduced the Section 232 tariffs on aluminum and steel under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which is used to determine the effect of imports on national security.
President Biden continued metal tariffs throughout his presidency and called for higher tariffs on Chinese steel.
Trump warned there would be no exceptions, and said he was “simplifying” the rules, which are set to come into effect on March 12.
“This is a big deal, the beginning of making America rich again,” Trump said.
“Our nation requires steel and aluminum to be made in America, not in foreign lands,” he added.
“It’s time for our great industries to come back to America… this is the first of many,” he added, suggesting other tariffs could focus on pharmaceuticals and computer chips.
Canada is the largest supplier of steel to the U.S., followed by Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and Vietnam.
Published February 2025
