Trump imposes 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports

UNITED STATES - US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on all steel and aluminum imports.

“This is important, we are going to make America rich again,” the president said from the Oval Office, after signing the executive orders that make the tariff increase effective.

“It's 25% with no exceptions or exemptions,” assured Trump, who also noted that he was ‘simplifying’ the rules, which will take effect on March 4.

He also noted that he would consider imposing additional tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals and computer chips.

Canada and Mexico are two of the largest exporters of steel and aluminum to the United States. Canada alone accounted for more than 50% of the aluminum imported into the U.S. territory in 2024.

These materials are used intensively, for example, in the food industry in packaging, as well as in the automotive industry for the manufacture of vehicles, or in the manufacture of machinery.

The imposition of the tariffs, which will increase the costs of importing these metals into the U.S., come despite warnings of retaliation from some political leaders in Canada, as well as other countries.

U.S. companies that rely on these imports have also expressed concern, but Trump has said his plans will boost domestic production.

The U.S. relies on imports to meet most domestic demand for steel and aluminum.

Net imports accounted for more than 80% of aluminum used in the U.S. in 2023, according to Morgan Stanley.

On the other hand, steel imports account for a smaller portion of total consumption, but are vital to some sectors such as aerospace, automobile manufacturing and energy.