Imposing Higher Tariffs: Donald Trump Proposes Increasing Surtax on Steel and Aluminum Imports to 50%, EU Prepared for Countermeasures
New Escalation in Trump's Protectionist Policies: Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Rising
In a move that marks a new escalation in his protectionist offensive, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, May 30, that tariffs on steel and aluminum are set to rise to 50% starting Wednesday. This decision comes amidst a series of setbacks on the judicial front for the president.
Speaking from a steel mill owned by U.S. Steel in Pennsylvania, Trump justified the move as a means to "better protect" these industries within the country. He later clarified on his Truth Social platform that the measure would take effect on June 4 and would also apply to aluminum.
The European Commission expressed strong regret over these new taxes on Saturday, stating that they "undermine efforts to reach a negotiated solution" with the United States. Should a mutually acceptable solution not be found, the EU is prepared to impose retaliatory measures as early as July 14, if circumstances require it.
At the podium on Friday, Trump reaffirmed that the level of tariffs would be such that "no one will escape." This assertion is aimed at encouraging increased production and purchasing within the U.S.
Throughout his tenure, Trump has relied heavily on tariffs as a policy tool. Initially, tariffs were primarily imposed on China, leading to a trade war. However, in his second term, the tariff policy expanded, encompassing broader and higher tariffs on goods from nearly all countries. By April 2025, the average effective U.S. tariff rate had surged to an estimated 27%, marking the highest level in over a century.
Recent developments include a reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports following negotiations, with the U.S. retaining a baseline tariff while China removes its retaliatory tariffs. Trump's authority to impose tariffs has also been subject to legal challenges, with two first-instance courts ruling this week that he did not have the right to decree certain of his tariffs. These tariffs remain in effect until a final appeal judgement is reached.
The evolution of Trump's tariff policy has faced criticism from economists, who argue that it negatively impacts trade and economic growth. Despite these concerns, the administration continues to frame tariffs as a means for negotiating trade deals and safeguarding American industries.
- The announcement of rising tariffs on steel and aluminum by President Trump is not just a domestic issue but mayalso have implications on the global social and general-news landscape, as the European Commission has stated that they "undermine efforts to reach a negotiated solution" with the United States.
- The expansion of Trump's tariff policy, encompassing broader and higher tariffs on goods from nearly all countries, has been a topic of debate in various industries, including finance and politics, as economists have expressed concerns about its impact on trade and economic growth.
