Europe

U.S. doubles tariffs on steel and aluminum: Trump signs executive order.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed a new executive order confirming a sharp increase in import tariffs on steel, aluminum, and related derivative products, raising the duty from 25% to 50%. The measure, which takes effect today, is part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting what the administration calls “national security and the competitiveness of American industry.”

This move reinforces the Trump administration’s protectionist stance and underscores the strategic importance of the steel and metals industries in the national economic agenda. However, questions remain about the long-term implications for trade relations with key partners and for U.S. consumers.

The decision is based on investigations conducted by the Department of Commerce under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which identified the excessive and underpriced importation of steel and aluminum as a threat to the country’s economic and defense security. According to the White House, although the tariffs initially introduced in 2018 offered short-term relief to U.S. producers, they have failed to ensure the level of production needed to meet national defense requirements.

“I believe it is necessary,” Trump’s executive order states, “to increase tariffs in order to more effectively counter the inflow of low-cost metals, which continue to undermine the competitiveness of the U.S. industry.”

In addition to the tariff hike, the executive order introduces several operational adjustments, including a temporary exemption for the United Kingdom under the terms of the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) signed on May 8, 2025. British imports will remain subject to a 25% duty for now, but this could rise to 50% as of July 9 if the UK fails to comply with the agreed terms.

Goods admitted into U.S. foreign trade zones before June 4 under “privileged foreign status” will also be subject to the new tariffs upon entry for consumption.

Finally, the executive order modifies several previous provisions—including Executive Order 14289—to bring the overall U.S. tariff framework into alignment with the administration’s current trade policy objectives.

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