US President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports took effect on Wednesday, as previous exemptions, duty-free quotas and product exclusions expired. The move marks an escalation in his campaign to reshape global trade in favor of the United States.
The policy reinstates a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports while expanding duties to include hundreds of downstream products made from these metals, such as nuts, bolts, bulldozer blades and soda cans. The measure is intended to strengthen protections for American steel and aluminum producers.
Tensions escalated ahead of the tariff deadline when Trump threatened to double duties on Canadian steel and aluminum exports to 50%. However, he ultimately backed down after Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed to suspend his province’s 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Minnesota, Michigan and New York until earlier US tariffs were lifted.