The White House of the United States announced an increase in tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%
June 4, 2025
US President Trump signed an order on Tuesday local time, raising tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and their derivatives from 25% to 50%. This tariff policy will come into effect at 00:01 a.m. Eastern Time on June 4, 2025.
It is learned that the order pointed out that the previous 25% steel and aluminum tariffs "have not yet enabled domestic industries to develop and maintain the capacity utilization rate needed to meet their continued health and defense demands". The order stated: "Raising the previously imposed tariffs will provide greater support for these industries and reduce or eliminate the threat to national security posed by the import of steel, aluminium and their derivatives."
Meanwhile, according to the order, the tariff on steel and aluminium imported by the United States from the United Kingdom will still remain at 25%. Starting from July 9, 2025, the US side can adjust the applicable tariff rates in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Policy Statement and formulate import quotas for steel and aluminum. If the UK is determined to have failed to comply with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Policy Statement, the applicable tariff rate can be raised to 50%.
It is worth mentioning that on May 30 local time, Trump said at a rally held in Pennsylvania that the tariff on imported steel would be raised from 25% to 50%. Subsequently, Trump posted on social media platforms that the decision would take effect from June 4th.
Trump's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs is currently facing more challenges at the legal level. Last week, a federal court ruled against several tariff measures implemented by Trump under the emergency Act. However, Trump's tariffs on metal products were not affected by the ruling because such tariffs were implemented under different licensing terms. Trump also hopes to demonstrate through this that he remains firmly committed to the tariff policy and urges other countries to make concessions at the negotiating table.
