Washington, 31 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - US President Trump on Friday announced that he will raise tariffs on steel imports to 50% from 25%.

Trump, speaking at a rally at a US Steel plant in western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, said the additional import fees would strengthen the US steel industry, adding that tariffs were his absolute favourite word.

Trump's administration has justified the existing steel tariffs as a measure to protect national security. He has already announced, threatened or implemented numerous other tariffs.

In addition to a new penalty tariff of 10% of the value of goods on almost all imports, he has also announced specific, higher tariffs on imports from many countries. These include major trading partners such as China and the European Union.

Courts dealing with Trump’s tariffs

There are currently various ongoing legal proceedings regarding the legality of many of the Trump tariffs, with no final decisions yet reached. These additional tariffs on steel imports are not affected by these cases.

Many trading partners targeted by Trump with new tariffs, including the European Union, are already negotiating with the United States to avoid tariffs through new trade agreements.

After speaking with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, Trump suspended additional threatened tariffs of 50% on EU imports until July 9 to allow more time for negotiations.

Photo: MIA archive