US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium Prompt Swift Retaliation from Major Trading Partners
US duties on steel and aluminium have triggered immediate backlash from key trading partners.
Tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States have officially taken effect, escalating the global trade war initiated by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s tariffs on metals imports, which came into force on Wednesday, impose a 25 percent duty “with no exceptions or exemptions.” Trading partners swiftly condemned the move, with some announcing immediate retaliatory measures.
The tariffs were implemented as existing exemptions, duty-free quotas, and product exclusions expired. Additionally, the duty on aluminium was increased from 10 percent.
Separate tariffs have been imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, with plans to levy “reciprocal” rates on imports from the European Union, Brazil, and South Korea starting April 2.
Trump has argued that these taxes will bolster the US metals sector and create jobs. However, his unpredictable tariff threats are unsettling markets, stoking fears of an economic slowdown, and potentially driving up consumer prices.
The European Commission responded almost instantly, announcing counter duties on 26 billion euros ($28 billion) worth of US goods set to take effect next month.
“This matches the economic scope of the US tariffs,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in a statement. She added that the measures would be implemented in two stages and fully enforced by April 13.
The EU executive also reiterated its stance that Trump’s efforts to overturn global trade norms undermine Western unity amid growing challenges.
“We will always remain open to negotiation,” she said. “We firmly believe that in a world fraught with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs.”
Canada, the largest foreign supplier of steel and aluminium to the US, announced it is considering reciprocal actions.
British Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that “all options were on the table” to respond in the national interest.
In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the move as “entirely unjustified … and against the spirit of our two nations’ enduring friendship” but ruled out retaliatory tariffs.
Meanwhile, two leading South Korean steelmakers revealed plans to invest in new facilities in the US, supporting Trump’s assertion that his tariffs are encouraging foreign investment in the country.
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