US President officially imposes 25% tax on imported steel and aluminum

Many countries immediately responded, concerned about the impact on the global industry and economy.

Speaking in the Oval Office as he signed the order, Mr. Trump affirmed: "Today, I have simplified our tariffs on steel and aluminum. The tariffs are 25% with no exceptions or exemptions."

The US leader also said he would consider imposing additional tariffs on cars, pharmaceuticals and computer chips.

According to official US figures, Canada and Mexico are currently the largest steel importers to the US. Brazil and South Korea are also major steel suppliers.

Sharing on social network X, Mr. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation of Canada, said that Canadian steel and aluminum support key industries in the US from defense, shipbuilding to automobiles. Mr. Champagne emphasized: "This makes North America more competitive and safer. We will continue to protect Canada, our workers and our industries."

Acting President Choi Sang-mok also met with the industry minister and other senior South Korean officials to assess the situation and respond to the possibility of US import tariff hikes.

President Trump also confirmed that he is considering exempting Australia from the steel tariffs. “We have a trade surplus with Australia. The reason is they buy a lot of planes,” he said.

Just before Mr. Trump signed the above decree, Mr. Anthony Albanese also said that he had discussed with the US President about the possibility of exempting Australia from the tariffs. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr. Albanese announced: "The US President has agreed to consider the possibility of exemption for the benefit of both our countries."

The US currently relies on imported aluminum, mainly from Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China, to meet most of its manufacturing needs.