Trump Vows to Restore US Steel's Dominance with 25% Additional Tariffs on All Steel and Aluminum Imports

 

New tariffs to strengthen American industries, impacting global trade dynamics / AP

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 10, 2025 (local time), that an additional 25-percentage-point tariff will be imposed on all steel and aluminum products imported into the United States. This move significantly escalates the tariff barriers initially set during Trump’s first term when a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Trump made this declaration aboard Air Force One while en route to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9. During the press conference, he stated, "Every piece of steel coming into America will face a 25% tariff, and the same goes for aluminum." White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt clarified that the newly announced tariffs would be in addition to the existing ones on imported steel and aluminum products.

Trump's remarks came in response to questions about Nippon Steel’s investment in U.S. Steel, highlighting his commitment to reviving America's steel industry. He asserted, "US Steel was once the best company in the world, and I will not allow other countries to take that position." This underscores the administration's intent to protect critical industries in the United States.

Currently, under Section 232, the U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports. Some countries, however, benefit from exemptions. Australia enjoys a complete exemption from these tariffs, while the European Union (EU), Japan, and the United Kingdom operate under tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), allowing them to import specific quantities without tariffs, after which the tariffs apply. South Korea has accepted a quota system to avoid steel tariffs, limiting its export volumes.

Additionally, Trump hinted at the imminent announcement of "reciprocal tariffs," a policy designed to match tariffs imposed by other countries on U.S. goods. Scheduled for release around February 11, Trump responded to inquiries about the timeline, saying, "Almost immediately." When asked if these reciprocal tariffs would apply universally, he replied, "Not every country will be affected because some already impose similar tariffs on us. It will influence those countries where there's an imbalance."

This aggressive tariff policy signals a renewed focus on economic nationalism, aiming to bolster American manufacturing sectors, particularly steel and aluminum, against foreign competition. However, it also raises concerns about potential trade tensions with key allies and global economic partners. As the policy unfolds, industries and governments worldwide will be closely monitoring its impact on international trade and economic relations.

댓글

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

이재명 비법조인 대법관 법안 논란 속 신중론 강조하며 거리 두기

Trump Reverses Biden’s Cuba Sanctions Relief: What’s Next?

트럼프 관세 위협에 미 달러화 급락, 2023년 최저치 근접