President Trump announced plans to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50% on 30 May 2025.
US President Donald Trump announced on 30 May 2025 that his administration plans to raise tariffs on imported steel and aluminium from 25% to 50%.
“We are going to be imposing a 25% increase. We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50% – the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States,” Trump said at a rally in Pennsylvania.
This announcement comes after he accused China of breaking a deal to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions on critical minerals, which will further escalate Trump’s trade war with trading partners across the globe, including Canada and the EU.
Trump also hinted that the higher tariff would take effect on 4 June 2025.
The announcement sparked intense criticism from Canada, the EU, and Australia. Canada called the tariff hikes “antithetical to North American economic security,” while the EU warned of potential countermeasures. Australia’s trade minister labelled the move unjustified and unfriendly.
The US, excluding the European Union, is the largest steel importer, with 26.2 million tons imported in 2024, according to the Department of Commerce. The new tariffs will likely increase steel prices, impacting industries and consumers.
In March 2025, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on most imported steel and aluminum from Canada. He initially considered a 50% tariff on Canadian steel but later abandoned it.
