Washington, D.C. (WDNews) — I
n a major economic shift announced Tuesday, Jun 3, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation raising tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%.
This is a move the administration says is necessary to protect national security and revive America’s manufacturing base. The increased tariffs went into effect around midnight today, June 4.
The White House says the decision follows ongoing concerns about foreign countries dumping low-priced metals into U.S. markets, undercutting domestic producers and jeopardizing the country’s ability to meet defense and infrastructure demands.
“Although previous tariffs provided some price support, they didn’t fully restore capacity utilization in our domestic industry,” the proclamation stated. “Increasing the tariffs is the most effective way to reduce foreign threats and protect our critical infrastructure.”
The move stems from a provision under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the president to adjust imports that threaten national security. Trump first enacted 25% steel and 10% aluminum tariffs in 2018.
He said the updated 50% rate reflects the continuing risks posed by overproduction abroad.
Tariffs will only apply to the steel and aluminum content of imported products. Non-metal content will be subject to separate import rules.
The proclamation also tightens penalties for importers who falsely declare content in an effort to dodge the tariffs. Violators could face large fines or lose import privileges.
Notably, the new tariffs won’t apply to goods from the United Kingdom for now. Under the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, tariffs from the UK will stay at 25%, but that could change after July 9 if the UK fails to meet terms of the agreement.
The Trump administration says this latest action is part of a broader effort to revive domestic manufacturing and hold foreign countries accountable for unfair trade practices. Supporters in the steel and aluminum sectors praised the move as a vital step toward economic independence and national resilience.
Stay with WDNews for continuing coverage of this developing policy.
