The Voice News : Washington, D.C. In a major policy move, U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday signed a Presidential Proclamation raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, a decision aimed at protecting American industries and safeguarding national security.
The higher tariffs will go into effect immediately, starting June 4, 2025, and are part of President Trump’s broader strategy to counter unfair trade practices and global excess capacity that have weakened U.S. manufacturing.
Defending National Interests under Section 232
President Trump invoked his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which empowers the President to adjust imports that pose a threat to national security. The new tariffs apply specifically to the steel and aluminum content of imported goods.
“American steel and aluminum are the backbone of our national defense and critical infrastructure,” said President Trump. “We will not allow foreign dumping to cripple our ability to protect our country.”
Strict reporting rules on the metal content of imports will also be enforced, with penalties including fines and revocation of import rights for violations.
UK Tariffs Temporarily Unchanged
Tariffs on imports from the United Kingdom will remain at 25% for now. However, this status is under review and may be modified after July 9, 2025, depending on the outcome of ongoing U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal negotiations.
Domestic Capacity Decline Spurs Action
Data from the U.S. Commerce Department shows that domestic production capacity has continued to decline despite past efforts.
Steel utilization dropped from 80% in 2021 to 75.3% in 2023.
Aluminum utilization fell from 61% in 2019 to 55% in 2023.These trends, driven by high import volumes from countries exempted from previous tariffs, are seen as a direct risk to U.S. industrial readiness in times of emergency.
Industry Support and Economic Impact
The decision has been welcomed by American manufacturers and workers, particularly in industrial states like Ohio and Minnesota, where previous tariffs under Trump’s first term spurred new investments and job growth.
According to industry data:
Steel and aluminum imports declined by nearly one-third between 2016 and 2020.
Over $10 billion was invested in U.S. metal production facilities during Trump’s first term.
Tariffs led to job creation and higher wages in domestic manufacturing.Research Validates Tariff Effectiveness
Several recent studies support the President’s approach:
A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would boost the U.S. economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and raise household incomes by 5.7%.
The U.S. International Trade Commission reported that Section 232 tariffs effectively reduced imports from China and increased domestic production without significantly raising consumer prices.Even former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has acknowledged that such tariffs have minimal impact on inflation, supporting claims that the policy is both strategic and economically viable.
Strategic Posture in a Shifting World
With global tensions rising and industrial competition intensifying, President Trump’s move reinforces his administration’s commitment to economic nationalism and strategic self-reliance.
“Our goal is simple,” Trump stated. “To ensure that American workers, American steel, and American security always come first.”