Trump signs order to double steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%
WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an order to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, reigniting concerns over supply chain disruptions and a prolonged global trade war.
The additional tariffs, which will take effect at a minute past midnight, suggest that Trump has no intention of backing away from his aggressive trade strategy.
Trump unveiled his plan to double the tariff rate in a speech delivered Friday at a United States Steel Corp. plant in Pennsylvania, where he hailed Nippon Steel Corp.'s commitment to make a huge investment in the iconic but struggling American producer.
Trump has said the move is aimed at protecting domestic metal markets, but has not explained in any detail why doubling the recently imposed levy is already needed.
The increase comes as the Trump administration has seen little progress in reaching trade deals with major U.S. trading partners since he placed a 90-day pause on part of his so-called reciprocal tariffs in April to make time for negotiations.
Trump's order also comes as the legitimacy of his tariffs is under scrutiny by U.S. courts and amid renewed trade tensions with China.
In mid-March, the Trump administration placed 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, marking the first imposition of such protectionist measures on an industry sector basis since Trump took office for a nonconsecutive second term in January.
He has framed higher tariffs as a means to protect national security, citing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 as the legal basis.
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