Trump doubles tariffs on steel, aluminium imports to 50%
發佈日期: 2025-06-04 20:50
TVB News
U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on imports of aluminium, steel and their derivatives from 25 percent to 50 percent, starting today.
The hike has intensified trade tensions ahead of an early-July deadline for reciprocal tariff talks with trading partners of the United States.
Donald Trump signed an executive proclamation late on Tuesday to raise import taxes on steel and aluminium for the second time since March.
The new levies kicked in at midday Hong Kong time.
Trump stated that the measures are intended to "counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess" steel and aluminium in the U.S. market which he claimed would undercut the country's competitiveness in those sectors.
Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce showed the country imported 31.3 billion dollars' worth of iron and steel in 2024.
The increased tariffs would be a serious blow to Canada and Mexico, which ranked first and third respectively in shipment volumes of steel to the United States.
Though disappointed about the tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he thinks Canada and the U.S. are getting very close to sign a positive deal. This after Ford wrapped up meetings with the U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra.
Mexico's economy minister, who will travel to Washington on Friday for meetings with U.S. officials, called the new tariffs "unfair and unsustainable." He said Mexico will ask the Trump administration for steel tariff exemption.
The new rate applies to nearly all trading partners of the U.S., but tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the United Kingdom will remain at 25 percent because it is the only nation so far that has reached a preliminary trade agreement with Washington.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the office of the U.S. Trade Representative is pushing several countries for best offers by Wednesday.
Trading partners were asked to list their best proposals on key aspects such as tariff and quota offers for U.S. industrial and agricultural products, non-tariff barrier solutions and commitments on digital trade.
According to a statement, beginning July 9th, the U.S. government may adjust the applicable tariff rates and introduce import quotas for steel and aluminium articles based on the terms of the Economic Prosperity Deal, or EPD.
If the UK fails to meet relevant provisions of the EPD, the tariff rate on its steel and aluminium articles will be raised to 50 percent as well.
