Trump Raises Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports to 50%
New tariff measures justified on grounds of national security, effective June 4.
On June 3, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order increasing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective June 4 at 12:01 AM local time.
The administration contends that this increase is necessary to safeguard national security.
In the executive order, the President stated, 'I determined it was necessary to raise the tariffs on steel and aluminum to adjust imports for ensuring they do not jeopardize national security.'
The President further explained that these new tariffs would effectively combat the oversupply of cheap production from foreign countries, which he argues undermines the competitiveness of U.S. steel and aluminum industries.
He indicated that while previous tariffs had provided essential support for domestic prices, they had not been adequate for the sustainable operation of these industries nor for meeting national defense needs.
In response, the Canadian government termed the tariffs 'illegal and unjustified,' expressing strong opposition.
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced plans to seek exclusion from these tariffs, characterizing them as 'unfair, unsustainable, and inconvenient.' Ebrard noted that the tariffs are 'absurd' given that the United States has a trade surplus with Mexico, exporting more steel than it imports.
The escalation of tariffs follows a previous 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, which was implemented in mid-March, marking one of Trump’s first major decisions after returning to office.
During a visit to a steel plant in Pennsylvania shortly before signing the order, Trump proclaimed that 'our steel and aluminum industries will be stronger than ever.'
The European Commission expressed disappointment over the new tariffs, stating that they undermine ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution with the United States.
Meanwhile, Canada, the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the U.S., had filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) earlier in March regarding the initial tariffs, declaring them incompatible with the United States' international trade obligations.
As of 2024, the United States was importing around half of the steel and aluminum used domestically.
The administration contends that this increase is necessary to safeguard national security.
In the executive order, the President stated, 'I determined it was necessary to raise the tariffs on steel and aluminum to adjust imports for ensuring they do not jeopardize national security.'
The President further explained that these new tariffs would effectively combat the oversupply of cheap production from foreign countries, which he argues undermines the competitiveness of U.S. steel and aluminum industries.
He indicated that while previous tariffs had provided essential support for domestic prices, they had not been adequate for the sustainable operation of these industries nor for meeting national defense needs.
In response, the Canadian government termed the tariffs 'illegal and unjustified,' expressing strong opposition.
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced plans to seek exclusion from these tariffs, characterizing them as 'unfair, unsustainable, and inconvenient.' Ebrard noted that the tariffs are 'absurd' given that the United States has a trade surplus with Mexico, exporting more steel than it imports.
The escalation of tariffs follows a previous 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, which was implemented in mid-March, marking one of Trump’s first major decisions after returning to office.
During a visit to a steel plant in Pennsylvania shortly before signing the order, Trump proclaimed that 'our steel and aluminum industries will be stronger than ever.'
The European Commission expressed disappointment over the new tariffs, stating that they undermine ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution with the United States.
Meanwhile, Canada, the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the U.S., had filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) earlier in March regarding the initial tariffs, declaring them incompatible with the United States' international trade obligations.
As of 2024, the United States was importing around half of the steel and aluminum used domestically.
