Donald Trump has confirmed his intentions to significantly strengthen the trade policy regarding steel imports to the United States
As part of his ongoing trade war, he announced plans to double the existing tariffs on metal imports into the country. According to his statements, the level of the tariff will increase from the current 25% to an alarming 50%, making it one of the harshest trade initiatives in the steel industry in recent years. This news was announced by the U.S. president during a visit to a factory in Pennsylvania, where he delivered a speech to workers in the metallurgical industry. During the address, he emphasized that this decision aims to protect domestic steel producers, strengthen the position of American industry on the global stage, and halt its decline in competitiveness. "We are going to increase tariffs on steel imports from 25% to 50%," Trump stated. "This will further strengthen the steel industry in the USA. This is important to us, and no one can deny that." These words came amid a prolonged trade war launched by the American leader against countries importing steel products into the U.S. According to official data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, last year the country imported iron ore and steel valued at approximately $31.3 billion. The largest suppliers of this product were Canada and European countries. Notably, Canada holds a leading role among steel importers to the U.S., with imports exceeding $7.6 billion. This makes Canadian shipments particularly vulnerable to new tariff restrictions, which could, in turn, impact trade relations between the two countries. Overall, this initiative by Trump is a continuation of his trade policy, after he imposed a temporary 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports earlier this year, without exceptions for any country. At that time, the goal was to protect domestic producers from global competition, but it drew criticism from trading partners, who raised concerns about potential trade tariff patterns and the consequences for the global economy. Experts unanimously warn that further tightening of U.S. tariff policies could provoke reciprocal measures by other countries and intensify trade disputes. Some analysts even suggest that such measures may not only pose risks of losses for American consumers but could also harm the entire global economic system. In considering this situation, analysts recommend reading the material on "EuroPravda," which provides a detailed analysis of the possible consequences of introducing additional tariffs and the coercion from Trump for neighboring countries. Therefore, despite the president's promises to protect steel industry workers, many experts believe that these measures could cause more harm than good for the United States and the global economy as a whole.