President Trump announced a doubling of US steel import tariffs, raising the rate from 25% to 50%.
Speaking at a Pittsburgh rally, Trump framed the move as a boost to domestic steel production, reducing reliance on foreign imports, particularly from China.
He also cited a purported $14 billion investment in the region’s steel industry through a US Steel and Nippon Steel partnership, although details remain scarce.
This announcement marks the latest development in Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies since his return to office.
Trump promised steelworkers no layoffs, no outsourcing, and a $5,000 bonus, receiving enthusiastic applause.
He emphasized his role in “saving” US Steel, attributing its survival to the 25% tariffs imposed in 2018, and claiming the new 50% rate will further secure its future.
He declared, “At 50%, they can no longer get over the fence,” referring to foreign competitors.
This action unfolds amidst ongoing legal challenges to some of Trump’s global tariffs, although the steel and aluminum tariffs remain unaffected by the current legal proceedings.
These tariffs have significantly impacted global trade and markets, exacerbating US-China relations and escalating a trade war.
Trump recently accused China of violating a recent tariff truce, a claim China refuted, leading to a renewed exchange of accusations.
Following talks in Geneva, Washington and Beijing had agreed on a temporary reduction in retaliatory tariffs.
However, Trump asserted that China had “totally violated its agreement,” citing China’s failure to remove non-tariff barriers, as confirmed by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
China’s response urged the US to end “discriminatory restrictions” without directly addressing the specific allegations.
Tasked with reducing government spending and cutting jobs, the agency has faced legal challenges.
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The tech mogul, whose time as a special government employee has ended, attributed the bruise to rough-housing with his five-year-old son.
The man was trapped for three hours, but survived due to his wife’s quick thinking.