The United States is set to impose 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports this week, President Donald Trump announced Sunday, February 9. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated the tariffs would apply to “any steel coming into the United States,” with aluminum imports also affected. The announcement marks a continuation of his protectionist trade policies aimed at shielding US industries from perceived unfair competition.
Trump previously implemented similar tariffs during his first term, targeting Asian and European nations. Canada, the largest source of steel and aluminum imports to the US, along with Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea, is expected to feel the impact of the new measures. Trump had already threatened Canada with tariffs in recent weeks.
On Sunday, February 9, Trump also revealed plans for “reciprocal tariffs,” which he said would align with the rates charged by other countries on US products. “Every country will be reciprocal,” he emphasized, noting that further details would be announced by midweek.
Trump’s use of tariffs as a strategic tool is not new. Shortly after taking office, he imposed levies on trade partners including China, Mexico, and Canada. While he temporarily paused 25-percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico in exchange for promises to combat fentanyl trafficking and undocumented migration, the tariffs on Chinese imports proceeded. Products from China have since faced an additional 10-percent levy, with Beijing responding by imposing targeted tariffs on $14 billion worth of US goods, including coal and liquefied natural gas. Trump’s tariffs, meanwhile, affect $525 billion worth of Chinese products.
French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Trump’s tariff plans, urging the US to focus its trade efforts on China rather than the European Union. Speaking on CNN, Macron warned that tariffs on Europe would lead to inflation and increased costs for American consumers. Despite this, Trump has also pledged new tariffs on the EU and warned Japan of potential levies if Tokyo does not eliminate the US trade deficit with Japan.
The US trade deficit widened to nearly $920 billion last year, fueling Trump’s push for a “new golden age” for the American economy. Trump insists that foreign exporters, not US consumers, will bear the burden of tariffs, though experts widely disagree. He has acknowledged that Americans might feel economic “pain” as a result of these measures.
Trump’s tariffs have also served as leverage in achieving broader policy goals. For instance, he threatened Colombia with tariffs after it turned back US military planes carrying deported migrants. Following a standoff, the Colombian government ultimately complied.
