- President Donald Trump raised steel tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent, effective June 4, to further protect U.S. steelworkers from foreign competition. He argued the higher rate would be more effective than the previous 25 percent tariff imposed in March.
- Trump cited national security and unfair foreign trade practices as reasons, claiming the move would revive the domestic steel/aluminum industries. He announced the decision at a Pennsylvania steel plant, emphasizing worker protection.
- The original 25 percent tariff faced backlash (e.g., retaliation from Canada, criticism from U.S. automakers). The EU initially threatened counter-tariffs but backed down. Trump dismissed concerns, prioritizing domestic manufacturing.
- Despite past opposition to foreign ownership of U.S. Steel, Trump endorsed Nippon Steel’s $14.9B acquisition, citing negotiated safeguards like a «golden share» for U.S. government oversight and worker protections.
- Trump framed both actions as wins for American workers, declaring it a «historic day» and reinforcing his «America First» agenda on trade and industry.
President Donald Trump has announced a dramatic increase in tariffs on imported steel, raising the rate from 25 percent to 50 percent to further shield American steelworkers from foreign competition.
In March, Trump originally imposed a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, citing national security concerns and accusing foreign nations of unfair trade practices. The move drew swift retaliation from Canada and criticism from the U.S. auto industry, while the European Union briefly threatened counter-tariffs before backing down. (Related: Trump announces 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum to protect U.S. industries.)
As a response, Trump escalated his aggressive trade policy to prioritize protecting domestic manufacturing.
Speaking to a cheering crowd of U.S. Steel employees at a facility in Pennsylvania on Friday, May 30, Trump revealed he had initially considered a 40 percent tariff but settled on the higher rate after industry leaders argued that 25 percent was insufficient. Trump declared the hike necessary to secure the future of the steel industry.
«We are going to be imposing a 25 percent increase,» Trump said. «We’re going to bring it from 25 percent to 50 percent, the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States. Nobody’s going to get around that. At 25 percent, they can sorta get over that fence. At 50 percent, nobody’s getting over that fence.»
Trump later confirmed in a post on his Truth Social platform that the new tariff will take effect on Wednesday, June 4.
«It is my great honor to raise the tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25 percent to 50 percent, effective Wednesday, June 4th. Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before. This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminum workers. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!» Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump reverses stance, endorses Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. steel
Aside from raising tariffs on imported steel, Trump also celebrated a deal with Japan’s Nippon Steel.
During his presidency and early campaign speeches, Trump vowed to prevent U.S. Steel from falling into foreign hands, warning it would jeopardize American jobs. But on Friday, he claimed negotiations with Nippon Steel to acquire U.S. Steel for nearly $14.9 billion led to stronger protections for workers, including a «golden share» provision that grants the U.S. government influence over company decisions.
«U.S. Steel was being sold into foreign hands with no protections for our great steel workers,» Trump said. «And I said there’s no way we’re gonna let that happen. I was watching over you.»
He then argued that Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel executives improved the terms over time, ultimately winning his support. «They kept asking me and I kept rejecting them: No way, no way, no way,» Trump said. «Every time they came in, the deal got better and better and better for the workers. I’m going to be in Washington; I’m gonna be watching over it.»
The president framed the agreement as a victory for American workers, alongside his proposed steel tariffs. «This is going to be a very big day. This is going to be one of the biggest days in your life.»
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Watch Tom Philipson and Steve Moore explaining that President Donald Trump uses tariffs effectively in this clip.
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