Trump vows to double tariffs on steel imports

President Donald Trump on Friday told a Pennsylvania audience that he would double tariffs on steel imports into the United States, raising the rate from 25% to 50%.

Trump made the announcement at a rally where he also celebrated a "blockbuster" agreement between the Japanese-owned Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel.

Trump has levied steep retaliatory tariffs against other countries and on certain materials recently, including 25% tariffs on all auto imports, except for countries that expand operations in the U.S. or relocate their businesses stateside.

“We’re here today to celebrate a blockbuster agreement that will ensure this storied American company stays an American company,” Trump said in his remarks. "We’re going to have a great partner. And I have to tell you, Japan has been a tremendous friend of mine during my years as president.”

The deal between Japan and the Pittsburgh-based company is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.

“We’re going to bring [tariffs] from 25 to 50 percent on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States,” he also commented.

The United States is the world’s fourth-largest steel producer as of 2023, The Hill reported. It is also the world’s largest steel importer besides the European Union.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.