Donald Trump Proposes Doubling Tariffs on Imported Steel and Aluminum
During a visit to a US Steel plant, the former president announced plans to increase tariffs from 25% to 50%, with a planned implementation date of June 4.
On May 30, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he intends to raise tariffs on imported steel from 25% to 50% during a visit to a US Steel facility in Pennsylvania.
The increase is also expected to apply to aluminum imports.
Trump asserted that this move aims to further protect the American steel industry.
The announcement was made amid ongoing legal discussions regarding tariffs, which have been a cornerstone of Trump’s trade policy since his return to the White House.
Trump communicated the planned tariff increase via his social media platform, Truth Social, specifying that the new tariffs would take effect on June 4. He stated, "No one will be able to get around these tariffs," and emphasized that American steel and aluminum industries would "be stronger than ever."
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from the gathering, where attendees chanted "USA, USA!" in response to Trump’s comments.
The existing tariff regime, which was originally instituted by Trump in March, also encompasses derivatives of steel and aluminum, such as cans.
Since reentering the political arena, Trump has consistently used tariffs as a strategy to negotiate concessions from other countries, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue for the government.
The tariffs have targeted a variety of sectors including steel, aluminum, and automotive products, with specific targeted countries including China, Canada, and Mexico.
On May 28, a regional trade court had ruled against the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, declaring that such powers to impose tariffs rested with Congress rather than the president.
However, a federal appeals court subsequently issued a stay on the ruling, allowing for the continuation of the current tariff measures while further deliberations take place.
In addition to the proposed tariff changes, Trump discussed a recent merger involving US Steel and Japanese company Nippon Steel, which he recenty endorsed.
This merger is projected to be valued at $14.9 billion, including debt, and is considered significant for the Pennsylvania electoral landscape.
Trump stated that his approval of this merger and the anticipated $14 billion investment by Nippon Steel would ensure that US Steel remains under American control.
Previously, the Biden administration had blocked this acquisition over concerns related to national security.
Trump noted that he had been reluctant to approve the merger initially but changed his stance after discussions with Nippon Steel.
Shortly after Trump's announcement, the United Steelworkers (USW) union expressed skepticism about the merger, citing a lack of consultation with union representatives.
They issued a statement emphasizing that while announcements might be politically favorable, actual commitments require careful scrutiny, especially given the complex nature of corporate agreements.
The increase is also expected to apply to aluminum imports.
Trump asserted that this move aims to further protect the American steel industry.
The announcement was made amid ongoing legal discussions regarding tariffs, which have been a cornerstone of Trump’s trade policy since his return to the White House.
Trump communicated the planned tariff increase via his social media platform, Truth Social, specifying that the new tariffs would take effect on June 4. He stated, "No one will be able to get around these tariffs," and emphasized that American steel and aluminum industries would "be stronger than ever."
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from the gathering, where attendees chanted "USA, USA!" in response to Trump’s comments.
The existing tariff regime, which was originally instituted by Trump in March, also encompasses derivatives of steel and aluminum, such as cans.
Since reentering the political arena, Trump has consistently used tariffs as a strategy to negotiate concessions from other countries, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue for the government.
The tariffs have targeted a variety of sectors including steel, aluminum, and automotive products, with specific targeted countries including China, Canada, and Mexico.
On May 28, a regional trade court had ruled against the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, declaring that such powers to impose tariffs rested with Congress rather than the president.
However, a federal appeals court subsequently issued a stay on the ruling, allowing for the continuation of the current tariff measures while further deliberations take place.
In addition to the proposed tariff changes, Trump discussed a recent merger involving US Steel and Japanese company Nippon Steel, which he recenty endorsed.
This merger is projected to be valued at $14.9 billion, including debt, and is considered significant for the Pennsylvania electoral landscape.
Trump stated that his approval of this merger and the anticipated $14 billion investment by Nippon Steel would ensure that US Steel remains under American control.
Previously, the Biden administration had blocked this acquisition over concerns related to national security.
Trump noted that he had been reluctant to approve the merger initially but changed his stance after discussions with Nippon Steel.
Shortly after Trump's announcement, the United Steelworkers (USW) union expressed skepticism about the merger, citing a lack of consultation with union representatives.
They issued a statement emphasizing that while announcements might be politically favorable, actual commitments require careful scrutiny, especially given the complex nature of corporate agreements.
