On June 3, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation adjusting tariffs on aluminum and steel imports into the United States. The new policy raises the tariffs on aluminum and steel articles and their derivatives from 25 percent to 50 percent, effective June 4, 2025. This decision follows an investigation by the Secretary of Commerce, which concluded that the volume of these imports poses a threat to national security and undermines domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The proclamation cites previous findings from 2018 and 2020 indicating that aluminum and steel imports were being introduced in quantities that could impair national security. The administration has determined that increasing tariffs is necessary to bolster the competitiveness of U.S. industries against foreign competition, especially from countries that export low-priced metals. The President emphasized that past tariffs had provided some support but were insufficient to ensure the long-term health of these industries, which are critical for national defense.

In conjunction with the tariff increases, the administration will continue to monitor import levels and their impact on national security. While the tariffs will apply to most countries, a different treatment will be applied to imports from the United Kingdom as part of a recent economic deal. The proclamation outlines various administrative measures and penalties to ensure compliance with the new tariff structure, aiming to address both domestic industry needs and trade practices.

Original: article