Donald Trump issues special tariffs on aluminum and steel

US President Donald Trump has launched tariffs of 25 percent on steel and aluminum imports to the United States. The Republican signed orders in the White House and said that the tariffs should apply without exception to imports from all countries. However, it initially remained unclear when they should come into force. Several US media reported, citing government circles, and the starting date was March 4th.

The US government center did not immediately publish the documents signed by Trump. The president said to his decision: “It’s a big deal.” In this way, America will be rich again. Although many experts think they are counterproductive, Trump regularly represents tariffs as a kind of economic policy remedy.

Trump had already announced the planned tariffs on steel and aluminum on Sunday. The European Union then warned the US President of the introduction of this import duties. “The EU sees no justification for the imposition of tariffs to its exports,” said the EU Commission in Brussels responsible for trade policy. “We will act to protect the interests of European companies, employees and consumers from unjustified measures.”

The German federal government was also concerned after Trump’s announcement of Sunday. Customs would hit the German export -oriented economy, a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Economics told journalists in Berlin. When asked whether possible countermeasures could again meet US products such as motorcycles or whiskey, as was the case during Trump’s first term, the spokesman said that there was no automatism due to the last time.

When Trump introduced tariffs to European steel and aluminum imports during his first term, the EU reacted to US products such as jeans, bourbon whiskey, motorcycles and peanut butter. During Joe Biden’s term, a standstill agreement was concluded that defused the tariffs.

At the Stahl industry association, it was said that the United States was the most important sales market for the European steel industry. Around four million tons were exported to the USA from the entire EU in 2023. From Germany alone, it is around one million tons every year, mostly special steel. Germany is the largest steel producer in the EU and is seventh worldwide behind China, India, Japan, the USA, Russia and South Korea. Excientally, the USA is the most important sales market for German exporters.

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute for 2024, the United States relates its steel, especially from Canada, Brazil and Mexico. Germany and China also rank in the top 10 of the countries of origin of steel imports.

Trump regularly relies on tariffs in foreign policy and uses them as a means of pressure to achieve political goals. At the beginning of February, a North American trade war with uncertain consequences for the global economy was initially averted. Trump was only a few hours before the fellows that were threatened to come into force in the amount of 25 percent on goods from Mexico and Canada, especially when it comes to concessions from the neighbors. For this he pushed the trade restrictions on for at least 30 days.

Note: This article has been updated.