Trump's 50% steel and aluminium tariffs come into effect

Latest US sortie in trade war

US president Donald Trump speaks at U.S. Steel Corporation's Mon Valley Works-Irvin plant, Friday, May 30. Mr Trump has formally raised steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% from 25%, following through on a pledge to boost US import taxes to help domestic manufacturers.

US president Donald Trump has formally raised steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% from 25%, following through on a pledge to boost US import taxes to help domestic manufacturers.

The move took effect at midnight in Washington time on Wednesday - 8am Irish time - with Mr Trump claiming they protect national security. An order signed on Tuesday said the previous charge had “not yet enabled” domestic industries “to develop and maintain the rates of capacity production utilization that are necessary for the industries’ sustained health and for projected national defence needs".