Trump intends to double the tariffs for steel and aluminum / international reactions: “It is an act of economic self-sabotage”

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he intends to double tariffs for steel and aluminum imports, from 25% to 50%, in trying to strengthen the steel industry in the United States, according to Reuters. “We will impose a 25% increase. We will increase from 25% to 50% tariffs in the imported steel in the United States, which will further strengthen the US steel industry,” Trump told Pennsylvania.

Subsequently, the leader from the White House stated, on social networks, that the increase of the tariffs will also be applied to aluminum products and that it will enter into force on Wednesday, June 4.

The decision comes just a few hours after Trump has accused China of violating an agreement with the United States on mutual reduction in tariffs and commercial restrictions for essential minerals.

Trump held the speech at the Mons Vorley Works, a steel factory that symbolizes both the former force and the decline of the American industry, as the so-called “Rust Belt” plants have lost their customers in front of international competitors. Pennsylvania, a strongly disputed state, also represents a major stake in the presidential elections.

Trump Protects American Steel 🇺🇸

“We have a going to be imposing a 25% increa. We're Going to Bring it from 25% to 50% – The Tariffs on Steel into the United States of America – Which Will Even Further Secure In Industry in the United States.” – Pressor Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/asajxxlde

– The White House (@whitehouse) May 30, 2025

The Chamber of Commerce of Canada denounced the increase of the tariffs, cataloging it as “contrary to the North American Economic Security.”

“The abolition of efficient, competitive and reliable cross-border supply chains, as we have in the case of steel and aluminum, has a major cost for both countries,” said Candace Laing, the chair of the room, in a statement.

The center-left government of Australia also criticized the increase of tariffs, considering it “unjustified and unworthy of a friend.”

“It is an act of economic self-sabotage that will only affect consumers and business that depend on free and fair trade,” said the Minister of Trade, Don Farrell, in a statement.

Australia, an essential strategic ally of the US in the Indo-Pacific region, “will continue to get involved and firm to eliminate these rates,” added Farrell.

The United States is the largest steel importer in the world, excluding the European Union, with a total of 26.2 million tonnes imported in 2024, according to the Trade Department. As a result, new rates will probably increase steel prices in general, affecting both industry and consumers.

Steel and aluminum rates were among the first measures imposed by Trump after his return to the White House in January. The 25% rates for most steel and aluminum imports entered into force in March, and Trump has threatened for a 50% fee for Otel in Canada, but eventually gave up.

According to the legislation on national security, these import fees include both gross metals and derivatives, ranging from stainless steel sinks and gas stoves, to coils for air conditioning, horseshoe, aluminum pans and steel doors.