Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50% - shock for industry!

Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50% - shock for industry!

Pennsylvania, USA - President Donald Trump has announced a drastic measure: In a speech in front of steel workers in Pennsylvania, he promised to double the tariffs to steel imports from 25% to 50% of the value of the goods. This step should not only strengthen the national steel industry, but is also justified as a protective measure for national security. Trump emphasizes that the additional fees will benefit the American manufacturers, while the import of steel products into the United States is heavily more difficult, as tt reports.

The new tariffs are in the context of an already initiated trade conflict, which is primarily directed against countries such as China and the European Union. Despite ongoing legal disputes to check the legality of many announced tariffs, the new steel tariffs remain unaffected by these processes. In order to avoid an even greater conflict, Trump also threatened tariffs on EU imports until the beginning of July to enable negotiations.

The location of the US steel industry

The steel industry in the USA, however, shows resilient. In 2024, industry was able to increase its sales by around 5% to almost $ 140 billion. This was accompanied by a profit increase of over 19%, whereby the profit margins could be almost doubled. Despite a decline in steel emissions, which has already been registered for the third year in a row, demand from the construction industry remains strong. Here, the construction work rose by 6.5%in 2024, while the vehicle industry also acts as an important buyer, although the new car prices have fallen, so gtai.

With infrastructure projects that are supported as part of the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” with $ 550 billion by the end of 2026, domestic steel producers receive additional orders. Nevertheless, the dependence on steel imports remains an issue; In 2024, imports rose by 2.5% to around 29 million tons. This is illustrated by the trade balance deficit of $ 26 billion, which is connected to the United States with steel imports.

an eye on international relationships

The new increase in tariffs could have far -reaching consequences for the US trade relationships. The European Union and other trading partners negotiate intensively in order to avoid similar customs regulations. At the same time, the government is planning additional tariffs on various import goods, which further announces the country's position in global trade. The US trade strategies have become significantly more offensive in recent years, and many countries look closely at how the situation develops.

How to have the long term will have in the long term. The ongoing negotiations and uncertainties in international trade could be both risks and opportunities for many companies. Trump`s announcement caused a conversation and once again shows that nothing is set in stone in the global economy.
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