Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, with the policy set to take effect immediately after an official announcement on Monday.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump declared that the new tariffs will apply to “any steel” and aluminum entering the U.S., emphasizing that the move is designed to protect American industries.
Trump also revealed plans to introduce “reciprocal tariffs” as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, stating:
“Very simply, if they charge us, we charge them.”
The new tariffs will apply to all countries, but Trump clarified that nations with trade policies similar to the U.S. will not be as severely impacted.
“The ones that are taking advantage of the United States, we’re going to have reciprocal [tariffs],” he added, insisting that the policy would be beneficial for all involved.
The announcement comes just days after the U.S. paused tariff threats against Canada and Mexico in exchange for tighter border security measures to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration—two major concerns raised by the Trump administration.
The move also reignites a trade battle last seen during Trump’s first term, when he imposed similar 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.
While Trump eventually struck a deal with Canada and Mexico to lift those tariffs, the EU levies remained unresolved until the Biden administration intervened.
With tariff announcements expected in the coming days, global markets and trading partners are bracing for a potential escalation in trade tensions, particularly with nations that heavily export steel and aluminum to the U.S.
Will Trump’s trade war policies make a comeback? The next few days could set the tone for the future of U.S. trade under his leadership.