International
Trump Hits Foreign Steel and Aluminum with 25% Tariff
- Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, citing economic protectionism.
- EU and other global partners warn of retaliation, raising fears of a trade conflict.
- Additional “reciprocal tariffs” expected as Trump targets nations with high duties on U.S. goods.
President Trump on Monday imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, marking a significant shift in trade policy.
“This is a big deal—the beginning of making America rich again,” Trump declared as he signed the tariff orders in the Oval Office. The tariffs apply to all foreign steel and aluminum imports, regardless of their country of origin.
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A senior administration official defended the move, stating, “President Trump’s bold actions restore the strength of America’s steel and aluminum industries and put an end to the rampant exploitation that has hurt American workers. With these tariffs, the days of foreign nations gaming our trade system are over.”
While traveling on Air Force One to attend the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump announced plans to introduce “reciprocal tariffs” later in the week. These would impose duties on imports from countries that levy tariffs on U.S. goods.
“If they charge us, we charge them—every country,” he said. “If they are charging us 130% and we’re charging them nothing, it’s not going to stay that way.”
The European Commission stated Monday that it had not received any official notification of the tariffs. However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that the EU would “replicate” any tariffs imposed by the U.S.
“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” Barrot said in an interview with TF1.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck echoed this sentiment, stating that Europe would respond in a “united and determined manner.” He warned that “in the long term, a tariff conflict only has losers.”
During his first term, Trump had imposed similar tariffs—25% on steel and 10% on aluminum—before later granting duty-free quotas to certain trading partners.
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Earlier this month, he approved a new wave of tariffs on key trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and China. Last week, he agreed to a 30-day pause on a proposed 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural gas, and electricity.
Trump, a longtime advocate of tariffs, argues they are essential to securing greater cooperation on border security, particularly to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. He has also pledged to use tariffs to boost domestic manufacturing and generate revenue for the federal government.
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