New Orleans: US President Donald Trump has announced that he will soon impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States, a move expected to impact Canada the most.
Speaking aboard Air Force One while traveling from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump also revealed plans for reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax US imports but did not specify which nations would be affected or whether any exemptions would be granted.
Trump said that, “If they charge us, we charge them.” And reiterated that, “Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff.”
Canada and Mexico are two of the US’s largest steel trading partners, with Canada being the primary supplier of aluminium.
During his first term, Trump imposed similar tariffs—25% on steel and 10% on aluminium—on imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. While a later agreement lifted these tariffs for Canada and Mexico, EU tariffs remained in place until 2021.
The announcement sparked strong reactions, particularly from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who accused Trump of “shifting goalposts and constant chaos, putting our economy at risk.” Ontario is home to most of Canada’s steel production.
The move also affected global markets, with shares of major South Korean steel and auto manufacturers dropping, as South Korea is a key exporter of steel to the US.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament that his government would push for an exemption, as Australia had received one during Trump’s first term.
Trump’s decision is part of a broader shift in trade policy, which has already sparked retaliation from China.
Earlier this month, he threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports but postponed the decision for 30 days after discussions with their leaders. He also imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods entering the U.S., prompting Beijing to introduce counter-tariffs, which took effect Monday, Feb 10th.
Further tariff measures are expected soon, with Trump stating he would announce additional tit-for-tat tariffs on “Tuesday or Wednesday,” set to take effect “almost immediately.”
While in New Orleans, Trump also signed a proclamation designating February 9 as “Gulf of America Day” in recognition of his decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico has rejected the renaming, arguing that international law prevents a single country from unilaterally changing geographical names beyond its territorial waters.
When asked about his communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump declined to give details but hinted at ongoing discussions.
Trump also reiterated controversial remarks about potentially annexing Canada and Gaza, suggesting Canada would benefit as the “51st state” and that he was “committed to buying and owning Gaza.”
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