Trump Raises Steel, Aluminum Tariffs to 50% Effective Wednesday

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 3, 2025, raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent. The new tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on June 4.

The action aims to combat the influx of low-priced foreign steel and aluminum that U.S. officials believe is undermining domestic manufacturers and posing national security threats.

“I have determined that it is necessary to increase the previously described steel and aluminum tariffs to adjust the imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security,” Trump stated in his proclamation.

The increase from 25 percent to 50 percent applies to steel and aluminum articles imported from all countries, except the United Kingdom, which will maintain a 25 percent tariff rate.

This decision follows a directive from the Department of Commerce to monitor the imports and their impact on national security. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will strictly oversee compliance with tariff regulations, imposing severe penalties on importers who underreport their products.

Since 2018, the U.S. has implemented similar tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Trump’s new order emphasizes a response to foreign countries selling excess steel and aluminum at prices that threaten U.S. manufacturers.

The announcement signals a continuation of a robust trade policy focusing on national security and domestic economic stability. The Administration aims for a further review to assess the permanent nature of the tariff revisions based on ongoing trade conditions.