Trump Doubles US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum to 50% in Aggressive Trade Push

The U.S. will double its duties on steel and aluminum imports to 50% beginning Wednesday, President Donald Trump directed, ramping up his administration’s protectionist agenda and reigniting global trade tensions.

The hike from 25% is one aspect of a wider effort to push back against what the White House characterizes as “unfair trade practices” by nations dumping cheap, surplus metal into the American market. Trump signed the directive on Tuesday, marking the latest escalation in his long-standing trade war playbook.

“This move strengthens national security and supports our domestic industries,” the order stated. “Raising tariffs will help reduce the flood of low-priced imports that undercut American steel and aluminum producers.”

Tariffs on UK metal imports, however, will remain at 25% as both countries continue negotiations under the framework of their earlier trade agreement.

Trump previewed the decision last week during a speech at a U.S. Steel plant in Pennsylvania. “Nobody is going to be able to steal your industry,” he told workers. “At 25 percent, they can sort of get over that fence. At 50 percent, they can no longer get over the fence.”

The tariff hike comes amid a flurry of trade actions since Trump’s return to the presidency in January. In April, the administration slapped 10% tariffs on nearly all trading partners, with even higher duties proposed for dozens of economies. While talks with various countries are ongoing, temporary pauses on the steepest rates will expire in early July.

The European Union condemned the action, threatening to retaliate. The officials stated the surprise announcement thwarts diplomatic efforts to address disagreements through negotiation.

Outside metals, Trump’s administration has also had its sights set on other industries — including cars — as part of its effort to strengthen domestic production and cut dependence on imports.

With the July deadline looming, pressure is mounting on global partners to reach trade deals or brace for further economic friction.