Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports; Reciprocal Tariffs to Be Unveiled Within Days

Major Shift in U.S. Trade Policy Targets Global Markets with Aggressive Tariff Measures

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 9 (local time) that starting from February 10, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States. In addition, Trump revealed plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs targeting global markets within the next two to three days, marking a significant escalation in his administration’s trade policy.

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to New Orleans, Louisiana, where the NFL Super Bowl was held, Trump stated that "all steel entering the United States will face a 25% tariff, and the same will apply to aluminum." He emphasized that reciprocal tariffs, which involve imposing equivalent tariffs in response to those set by other countries, will be formally announced during a press conference scheduled for either Tuesday or Wednesday. According to Trump, "This will be beneficial for everyone, including other countries," stressing that the U.S. will no longer tolerate imbalanced trade practices where other nations impose high tariffs on American goods while the U.S. imposes none in return.

When asked if these measures would apply universally, Trump clarified, "Reciprocal tariffs will be implemented broadly, though not all countries will be equally affected, as we already have similar tariffs with some." However, he strongly emphasized that countries exploiting the U.S. market will face strict reciprocal measures, signaling a tougher stance on trade imbalances.

Data from the American Iron and Steel Institute indicates that Canada was the top exporter of steel to the U.S. last year, followed by Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and Vietnam. For aluminum, Canada also leads as the largest exporter to the U.S., with significant contributions from the UAE, Russia, and China. This suggests that Trump’s new tariffs will have a broad international impact, affecting key trading partners across multiple continents.

This is not Trump’s first time targeting steel and aluminum with tariffs. During his previous term, he imposed similar duties as part of his broader "America First" trade agenda. The latest measures come on the heels of a new 10% tariff imposed on all Chinese imports starting February 4, signaling the reopening of a full-scale trade conflict with China. While Trump initially planned to apply a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada starting the same day, a last-minute agreement postponed the implementation for 30 days, highlighting the fluid and negotiable nature of his trade strategy.

China has already responded to these actions by announcing additional tariffs starting February 10, including a 15% levy on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain automotive products. Trump’s aggressive tariff policy is not limited to China and North America; he has also indicated plans to target Europe, Taiwan, and other regions, with potential tariffs on critical industries such as copper, steel, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.

In a surprising shift from trade issues, Trump also reiterated his controversial stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning the Gaza Strip. During the same press event aboard Air Force One, he described Gaza as "prime real estate" and boldly claimed that "the U.S. will own that land." He dismissed concerns about the current population, stating, "There will be no one there—no Hamas," and outlined plans to develop the area through investments from wealthy Middle Eastern nations, ultimately aiming to create a "beautiful place where Palestinian people can live."

Additionally, Trump declared February 9 as "America Only Day," following his executive order last month to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "American Gulf." This symbolic move was reinforced with announcements aboard Air Force One, highlighting that it was the first time the presidential aircraft had flown over the newly named "American Gulf."

Trump’s recent announcements represent a dramatic escalation in both trade and foreign policy, with potential ripple effects across global markets and diplomatic relations. His emphasis on aggressive tariffs, coupled with bold geopolitical statements, underscores his commitment to reshaping the global order in favor of what he describes as "American interests first." As the world watches for the details of the upcoming reciprocal tariffs, international reactions are expected to vary widely, potentially setting the stage for new trade disputes and diplomatic tensions.