Trump Doubles Steel, Aluminium Tariffs To 50%, Excludes UK: "Vital For America's 'National Security'"

In an intensification of his trade policy, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminium to 50 per cent, describing the measure as vital for safeguarding America's national security and industrial capacity.

The revised tariffs, set to take effect shortly after midnight on Wednesday, will also apply to derivative products manufactured from steel and aluminium.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Trump's proclamation signals a major pivot in trade policy, targeting what he termed as "excessively low-priced" imports which, he argued, endanger the survival of domestic producers in the US.

"In my judgment, the increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the United States," Trump said.

The decision followed updated assessments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the condition of the steel and aluminium industries - findings which Trump said underscored the need for enhanced protective measures.

"I doubled the rates after receiving new information about the sector from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick," Trump explained.

While the majority of countries will now be subjected to the 50 per cent levy, the United Kingdom will continue to face the existing 25 per cent rate owing to a standing framework trade agreement.

However, the proclamation cautions that this arrangement could be revised as early as 9 July if the British government is deemed non-compliant with the deal's provisions.

"The higher tariffs will ensure that imported steel and aluminum will not threaten to impair the national security," Trump declared.

Since Trump initially imposed tariffs on steel in 2018, steel product prices have risen by nearly 16 per cent, according to government statistics.

Upon returning to office in January, Trump reinstated these measures, including fresh tariffs on aluminium. In March, a 25 per cent tariff was reintroduced on most imported steel and aluminium.

Although he contemplated a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian steel, he ultimately chose not to proceed with it.