Trump Doubles Down on Tariffs, Says US Steel Must Be ‘Built with Pride of Pittsburgh’
Former US President Donald Trump has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on imported steel and aluminium, saying the move will further protect American industries and workers.
Speaking to a rally of steel workers in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on Friday, Trump declared that existing steel tariffs would jump from 25% to 50%. He described the move as a step that would “even further secure the steel industry in the United States.”
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Shortly after, he took to his platform, Truth Social, to confirm that the new levies would take effect from Wednesday. He claimed that American industries were “coming back like never before.”
“This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminum (sic) workers,” he posted. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
He continued his fiery rhetoric, aiming a direct shot at China:
“We don’t want America’s future to be built with shoddy steel from Shanghai — we want it built with the strength and the pride of Pittsburgh!”
Despite the sweeping increase in tariffs, the United Kingdom appears to be exempt. A UK government source told Sky News that a recent US-UK trade agreement signed earlier this month helped shield British steel and aluminium products from the new rate.
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Meanwhile, Trump didn’t hold back in accusing China of breaking past trade commitments.
“China has totally violated the agreement to roll back tariffs and restrictions on critical minerals,” he claimed. “So much for being Mr Nice Guy.”
Recall that back in March, Trump had already introduced a 25% tariff on all foreign steel and aluminium. His administration framed it as a way to protect US manufacturers and create jobs by making imported materials more expensive.
However, analysts have warned that these tariffs could also drive up the cost of everyday products that depend on steel and aluminium — such as cars, construction equipment, and even soda cans.
This isn’t the first time Trump has used tariffs as a political and economic weapon. He once threatened Canada with a 50% tariff hike, prompting Ontario’s provincial government to respond with its own threat — a 25% increase on electricity supplied to the US.
Ontario powers more than 1.5 million American homes and businesses across states like Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. At the time, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the tariffs as an “attack” on Canadian workers and families.