The 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to the United States are likely to take effect on March 4
February 11, 2025
According to foreign media reports, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, announcing a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum exports to the United States. White House officials say the tariffs will go into effect on March 4.
"There are no exemptions or exceptions and the 25 per cent rate applies to all countries, regardless of where the product comes from." Mr Trump said. But he also hinted at possible exemptions in the future.
Asked if he would give special treatment to Australia, Trump said he would carefully consider the proposal because of the country's trade surplus. He also said he was "fine" with other countries imposing retaliatory tariffs.
The measure further tightens a policy of steel and aluminum tariff investigations initiated during his first term. But it is just one of a series of moves this week that Trump could take on multiple trade fronts at the same time as importers, business chiefs and foreign leaders try to adapt to policy changes.
The follow-up agenda includes Trump's promised policy of "reciprocal tariffs," which he said he would formally unveil on Tuesday or Wednesday. Late Monday, Trump also revealed that discussions on tariffs on cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals would begin in the coming weeks.
