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President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday imposing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, marking a significant escalation in his administration’s trade policy.
“This is a big deal, the beginning of making America rich again,” Trump declared during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.
Unlike his previous tariff measures, which included exemptions for key trading partners, this latest round applies to all foreign imports regardless of origin. The move is expected to impact global trade relations and trigger potential retaliatory measures from affected nations.
A Push to Strengthen U.S. Industry
A senior administration official described the move as a bold step to protect American workers and counteract unfair trade practices.
“President Trump’s bold actions restore the strength of America’s steel and aluminum industries and put an end to the rampant exploitation and circumvention that has hurt American workers,” the official said. “With these tariffs, the days of foreign nations gaming our trade system are over.”
Reciprocal Tariffs Coming Next
Speaking aboard Air Force One over the weekend, Trump hinted at further trade measures. He plans to announce “reciprocal tariffs” this week, which would impose duties on imports from countries that levy high tariffs on U.S. goods.
“If they charge us, we charge them … every country,” Trump said. “If they are charging us 130% and we’re charging them nothing, it’s not going to stay that way.”
These measures, expected to go into effect immediately, could have a significant impact on international trade dynamics, particularly with major U.S. partners like China, the European Union, Mexico, and Canada.
Global Response: Europe Vows to Retaliate
The European Commission stated Monday that it had not yet received official notification of the new tariffs, but European leaders signaled their readiness to respond aggressively.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that the EU would impose reciprocal measures, telling broadcaster TF1:
“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests.”
Meanwhile, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck emphasized Europe’s unified stance, stating:
“Europe will react in a united and determined manner. In the long term, a tariff conflict only has losers.”
A History of Tariff Battles
During his first term, Trump imposed similar tariffs in 2018, placing 25% duties on steel and 10% on aluminum, but later granted exemptions to certain trading partners.
More recently, Trump authorized a wave of tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, three of the United States’ largest trading partners. However, last week, he agreed to a 30-day pause on planned tariffs for Mexico and Canada, which included a 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural gas, and electricity.
Tariffs as a Tool for Economic and Political Leverage
Trump has long championed tariffs as a tool for economic policy, using them not only to protect domestic industries but also to pressure foreign governments on broader issues. He has linked tariffs to stopping illegal immigration and curbing fentanyl smuggling, while also arguing that they can boost American manufacturing and generate revenue for the federal government.
With global trade tensions rising, the next steps by key U.S. trading partners—particularly China, the EU, Mexico, and Canada—will be closely watched.
