President Donald Trump has announced the doubling of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 50%, up from the previous 25%. Speaking at a campaign rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home to the iconic US Steel Trump said the move is aimed at revitalising the American steel industry, boosting domestic production, and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China.
“We are once again going to put Pennsylvania steel into the backbone of America, like never before,” Trump declared, promising that every US steelworker would receive a $5,000 bonus, and that there would be “no layoffs and no outsourcing.”
Trump also announced a tentative $14 billion investment plan involving a partnership between US Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel. Although he admitted that he had not yet approved the deal, he praised it as a critical step toward reshaping America’s industrial landscape. Reports indicate that the partnership would maintain US ownership, involve American board members, prevent production cuts for a decade, and give the US government veto power over future changes.
This tariff hike is the latest development in Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies since returning to office in January. The original 25% steel tariff, introduced during his first term in 2018, was credited by some for boosting domestic steel jobs but criticised for straining international trade relations.
Support for the new policy was evident at the rally. JoJo Burgess, a United Steelworkers union member and mayor of Washington, Pennsylvania, expressed cautious optimism. “I’m never going to disagree with something that’s going to level the playing field for American manufacturing,” he said.
However, critics argue that such aggressive tariff policies have contributed to global economic instability and have damaged relationships with key allies. China, the world’s largest steel producer, responded to the announcement with accusations of US trade discrimination, reigniting fears of another trade war.
While Trump insists the move is necessary for national security and economic independence, questions remain about the long-term impact on global trade and the legality of his tariff strategy, which is currently under court review.
