US tariffs doubled from now on: Trump's import tariffs on steel and aluminum in effect

Washington. The doubling of import tariffs on steel and aluminum announced by US President Donald Trump has gone into effect. Since midnight (local time; 6:01 a.m. CEST), a rate of 50 percent has been in effect on imports into the US – previously it was 25 percent. Trump says he wants to correct trade imbalances and strengthen domestic industry.

Exempt from this are steel and aluminum imports from Great Britain, for which, according to the White House, a rate of 25 percent will continue to apply. This is due to a trade pact the US has concluded with the UK.

Trump sealed the move with an executive order he signed on Tuesday. The tariff increase is likely to make imports more difficult and lead to higher prices. Economists expect noticeable effects for consumers – for example, when purchasing cars, kitchen appliances, or canned goods.

As of 2024, the United States was the world's largest steel importer after the EU. According to the US government, the most important countries of origin are Canada, Brazil, and Mexico; Germany is also among the ten largest exporters to the United States. According to the German steel industry association Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl, the United States is the most important sales market for the European steel industry. The United States sources aluminum primarily from Canada, the United Arab Emirates, China, and South Korea.

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Trump has already imposed or threatened numerous tariffs to force what he sees as more favorable trade agreements. Some of these have been legally challenged, but the new tariffs on steel and aluminum are not affected.

It remains unclear how the EU will react. The EU Commission sharply criticized Trump's announcement over the weekend and threatened a response before the summer. The move is seen as an affront, especially given the recently intensified negotiations to resolve the trade dispute.

However, according to recent information from the EU Commission, talks continued at the beginning of the week and were described as "very constructive." Another meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sevcovic and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled for today in Paris.

If Trump sticks with the doubled tariffs, the EU could impose counter-tariffs in the short term. Member states had already cleared the way for this in April. Additional levies could affect US products such as jeans, motorcycles, beef, and citrus fruits, among others. Measures on industrial and agricultural goods such as cars, sweet potatoes, and whiskey are also being considered.

Intensified negotiations between the EU and the US have been underway since Trump's first round of tariff announcements. The EU had originally decided on countermeasures in mid-April, but suspended them after Washington granted a 90-day reprieve. This window of opportunity was originally intended to be used for negotiations. The EU has repeatedly emphasized that it will take decisive action against US tariffs should the negotiations fail.

RND/dpa