Donald Trump on duties He does not leave, but doubles: the tenant of the White House has announced that the duties on steel and aluminum imported will pass from 25% to 50%.
The measurement will come into force Wednesday 4th June And it will have consequences not only on the American economy, but also on its main commercial partners, starting from the European Union, Canada and Australia.
The EU reaction
Trump made his announcement, which represents an escalation in the war of duties, during a rally in the historic headquarters of the US Steel in Pittsburgh. Trump’s move has already had effects on the markets: the actions of the producer Cleveland-Cliffs have risen by +26%.
There European Commission He expressed “deep regret” for the American decision, warning that the increase in duties “also undermines the current efforts to achieve a negotiated solution” and increases the uncertainty for the global economy.
Brussels commented that the tightening of the rates will lead to increases Of price for industries he is consumers On both banks of the Atlantic, as well as compromising trust in multilateral commercial relations. The European Union, already in negotiation with Washington to avoid the tariff clash, could now consider countermeasures or a suspension of interviews.
Donald Trump, must be remembered, considers the duties a move with a double nature:
- From a political point of view, duties are a negotiating tool to push international interlocutors to accept more favorable conditions for the USA;
- From an economic point of view, with Trump duties he hopes to convince companies around the world to open offices on American soil, so as to break down unemployment.
Not all duties were frozen by the judgment of the Court of International Commerce. Among those who remained in force are also those on steel and aluminum.
The reactions in Canada and Australia
The reaction of Canada was also very hard, which together with the United States has built one of the most integrated supply chains in the world in the steel sector.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce defined the “antithetical of North American economic security” measure. Candace Ling, president of the body, denounced “serious costs for both countries” deriving from the dismantling of highly efficient and interdependent supply chains, especially in the sectors automotive, building And manufacturing.
Canada fears that the increase in duties has chain effects on employment, investments and competitiveness, especially at a time when the relationships between Ottawa and Washington had just stabilized after the tensions of the Trump era.
Australia, the strategic ally of the United States in the Indo-Pacific, also strongly criticized the initiative. The Minister of Commerce Don Farrell spoke of an “unjustified and not worthy of a friendly country”, underlining how the duties represent a form of economic self -harm. Australia, which exports significant aluminum volumes to the United States, has reiterated its intention to “continue negotiating for the removal of rates” and defending the principle of free and fair trade.
Global impact
According to the US trademark department, in 2024 the United States imported 26.2 million tons of steel, making them the largest world importer (excluding the EU). The overall value of the imports affected by duties, or 289 categories of products including sinks, pots, components for air conditioners, exceeds 147 billion dollars.
The increase in rates, as the Wall Street Journalrisks doing rise internal prices for American industries and consumers, but also represents a clear signal electoral: Trump has chosen Pennsylvania, a strategic state for the White House as “Swing State” (electoral state in the balance between Republicans and Democrats), to relaunch its nationalist and protectionist message.
