Trump Signs Order to Raise Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to 50%, Effective June 4, Citing National Industry Protection

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to raise import tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, effective

from 12:01 a.m. on June 4 (local time). The measure is aimed at protecting national security and supporting the domestic steel industry, which the administration claims has not yet achieved sustainable development under the previous tariff rate.

The new tariff hike does not apply to steel imports from the United Kingdom, which will continue to face a 25% tariff until the July 9 deadline, during which the two nations are still negotiating new quotas or tariff arrangements.

This decision comes amid escalating trade tensions, as the U.S. is in discussions with several trading partners over potential retaliatory tariffs ahead of the July deadline.

Although a U.S. federal court recently struck down several tariffs imposed under emergency economic powers, the steel and aluminum tariffs remain unaffected, as they were enacted under different legal authority.

Trump announced the move during a visit to a United States Steel Corp. facility in Pennsylvania, reaffirming his commitment to protecting American industry. He later declared via social media that aluminum tariffs would also be raised to the same 50% level.

“At 25%, they could still jump the fence. At 50%, they can’t jump over anymore,” Trump told steelworkers, emphasizing that American steel companies would remain under U.S. control and not fall completely into foreign hands.

This tariff increase could spark a new wave of trade conflicts and intensify pressure on ongoing international trade negotiations.