WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump has ordered a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, despite mounting warnings from key trading partners and domestic industries that depend on foreign metals.
The sweeping tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, mark one of the most aggressive moves yet in Trump’s ongoing push to bolster American manufacturing.
“This is a big deal, the beginning of making America rich again,” Trump declared. He insisted that domestic steel and aluminum production must be prioritized over foreign imports and dismissed concerns that the tariffs would lead to price hikes for consumers. “Ultimately, it will be cheaper,” he claimed.
The announcement has triggered immediate backlash from Canada, America’s largest supplier of both metals.
Canadian officials denounced the tariffs as “totally unjustified” and warned of potential retaliation.
“Canadian steel and aluminum support key industries in the U.S., from defense and shipbuilding to energy and automotive,” said Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Francois-Philippe Champagne. “This move undermines North American competitiveness and security.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to much of Canada’s steel production, accused Trump of “shifting goalposts and creating chaos,” jeopardizing the economies of both nations.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Steel Producers Association urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to hit back with immediate countermeasures.
Kody Blois, a prominent Liberal MP, suggested that Canada should actively seek to reduce its economic reliance on the U.S., warning that Trump’s move “completely upends what has been a very strong partnership.”
Economic Uncertainty and Industry Concerns
Trump’s decision has also rattled U.S. businesses that rely on imported metals.
While American steelmakers cheered the move—Cleveland-Cliffs’ stock surged nearly 20% following the announcement—industry groups across construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors raised alarms over rising material costs.
The president’s track record of delaying tariffs or negotiating last-minute exemptions has left many analysts skeptical about whether the new duties will be fully implemented.
In 2018, Trump imposed similar tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (15%) but later carved out exemptions for Canada, Mexico, and other allies.
Douglas Irwin, an economics professor at Dartmouth College, called the latest decision “a replay of 2018,” questioning whether it was a genuine policy shift or simply a bargaining ploy.
“The biggest question is whether this is a negotiating tactic or if Trump truly intends to shield the U.S. steel industry at any cost,” he said.
Trump officials insist that the tariffs are aimed at curbing unfair trade practices, particularly efforts by China and Russia to evade duties by funneling cheap metal through third countries.
The new rules will require steel to be “melted and poured” and aluminum to be “smelted and cast” in North America to qualify as tariff-free.
However, critics argue that the real target of the tariffs is Canada, which supplies over half of U.S. aluminum imports and enjoys a trade surplus with its southern neighbor.
Nick Iacovella, spokesperson for the Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group advocating for stronger trade protections, pointed to what he sees as trade imbalances between the two countries.
“There are still imbalances with the Canadian and U.S. trading relationship that should be addressed,” he said, adding that Trump’s latest move signals a tougher stance.
With threats of trade retaliation mounting and businesses bracing for higher costs, the impact of Trump’s latest tariffs remains uncertain.
But if history is any guide, exemptions, delays, or further negotiations may yet reshape the policy before it takes full effect.
