Trump Doubles Tariffs On Steel And Aluminum Imports As Trade Deadline Hits

President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports jumped up to 50% on Wednesday as he continues to push for American trading partners to propose new trade deals to avoid heightened levies.

In an executive order signed Tuesday, Trump said it was necessary to double steel and aluminum tariffs for national security purposes. The hike comes as the White House gave a Wednesday deadline for American trading partners to submit counterproposals to the “Liberation Day” tariffs Trump imposed back in April. 

“In my judgment, the increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the United States market and thereby undercut the competitiveness of the United States steel and aluminum industries,” Trump wrote in the executive order. “I have determined that increasing the previously imposed tariffs will provide greater support to these industries and reduce or eliminate the national security threat posed by imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles.” 

Trump first announced last week that he would take action to increase the tariffs on steel and aluminum, saying it would help the industry and American workers. 

“Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before. This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminum workers,” he said in a Truth Social post after a speech at a steel plant in Pennsylvania on Friday.

Last month, Trump announced that U.S. Steel, once the largest steel company in the world, would partner with the Japanese company Nippon Steel. U.S. Steel, which has struggled in recent years, was set to be sold to the Japanese company before the deal was blocked by former President Joe Biden. The company will remain headquartered in Pittsburgh, and Trump said the partnership would result in 70,000 jobs. 

The tariff increases come after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said American trading partners had been reminded that the deadline to propose new trade agreements with the United States was on Wednesday, saying “the president expects good deals,” adding, “And we are on track for that, I will emphasize.” 

Most of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have been paused until July 8 to allow time for negotiations.

One major trade deal with the United Kingdom has already been announced, but talks with China have been rocky. After agreeing to significantly lower tariffs, Trump accused the communist country of violating their agreement. 

Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social that Chinese President Xi Jinping was being difficult in negotiations. 

“I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!”