Trump tags steel, aluminum imports with 25% tariffs

President Donald Trump signed executive orders Monday implementing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. 

The orders return steel tariffs to the level Trump set during his first term while increasing existing 10% aluminum tariffs he enacted in 2018. It also removes all exemptions and production exclusions. 

“It’s 25% without exceptions or exemptions, and that’s all countries, no matter where it comes from,” Trump told reporters during an executive order signing ceremony at the White House.

Steel and aluminum imports have been a frequent tariff target under the last few presidential administrations. Trump instituted import duties on several steel and aluminum product categories during his first term, and President Joe Biden supported the actions during his own. 

The U.S. imported over 26 million metric tons of steel products in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, including just over 9.1 million tons from Canada and Mexico combined. Brazil, South Korea and Vietnam counted for a large share of steel imports as well, per the American Iron and Steel Institute. 

Meanwhile, more than 5 million metric tons of aluminum were imported into the U.S. in 2024, with more than half coming from Canada alone, per the International Trade Administration. 

New duties on steel and alu…