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US tariffs of 50 per cent on steel and aluminium have officially gone into effect after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, further escalating his global trade war. These new tariffs, which doubled the previous 25 per cent levies on the sectors, took effect at midnight on Wednesday.
Despite this increase, duties on UK steel and aluminium will remain at 25 per cent, as a result of a trade deal signed between London and Washington last month. Trump defended the tariffs, stating that they were necessary to prevent dumping by foreign producers that could potentially harm national security.
In his order, Trump emphasized that the increased tariffs would help counter foreign countries that flood the US market with low-priced steel and aluminium, undercutting the competitiveness of American industries in these sectors. This move is part of the president’s broader efforts to reshape international commerce, even as legal challenges have put some aspects of his trade agenda on hold.
While a recent court ruling questioned the authority behind Trump’s initial tariffs, the sector-specific levies on steel and aluminium remain unaffected. Trump also hinted at the possibility of imposing the higher rate on the UK if certain conditions are not met by a specified deadline.
During a rally at a Pennsylvania steel mill, Trump announced his plan to double the tariffs, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the domestic metals industry from foreign competition. The policy has drawn criticism from Canada, the largest supplier of steel and aluminium to the US, with industry leaders warning of potential disruptions and job losses.
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