President Trump announced Sunday that he will implement 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports starting Monday. The president plans to sign an executive order that day to officially enforce these new duties.
Additional Tariffs Expected
Speaking aboard Air Force One while en route to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, Mr. Trump revealed plans to introduce “reciprocal tariffs” within the following days. These measures will immediately impose duties on products from countries that levy tariffs on U.S. goods.
“If they charge us, we charge them… every country,” Trump said. “If they are charging us 130% and we’re charging them nothing, it’s not going to stay that way.”
International Reactions
The European Commission indicated on Monday that it had not yet received official notification of the new tariffs. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the European Union would respond in kind. “There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” he said in an interview with TF1.
Germany echoed these sentiments. Robert Habeck declared that Europe would react in a “united and determined manner,” warning that a prolonged tariff conflict would result in mutual losses.
Tariff Strategy and Historical Context
During his first term, President Trump implemented 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum but later granted duty-free quotas to certain trading partners. This month, he authorized a series of tariffs on close trading allies like Mexico, Canada, and China. Although he recently agreed to a 30-day delay on additional tariffs against Mexico and Canada, including a 10% tariff on Canadian oil and energy products, the president appears ready to intensify his tariff approach.
Rationale Behind the Tariffs
The president has long championed tariffs as a tool to address multiple policy objectives. Beyond ensuring greater trade cooperation, Mr. Trump argues that tariffs will help reduce illegal immigration, curb fentanyl smuggling, support domestic manufacturing, and generate federal revenue.
