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In a major policy shift, President Donald J. Trump has announced a significant increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective from June 4, 2025. The decision, outlined in a recent proclamation, targets steel and aluminum articles and their derivatives, raising the tariff from 25 percent ad valorem to 50 percent ad valorem.

The move follows thorough investigations conducted by the Secretary of Commerce, who found that the massive influx of these materials threatens to impair the national security of the United States. The findings were initially addressed in Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9704, both issued in March 2018, which had previously adjusted tariffs for steel and aluminum imports respectively.

Despite the initial tariff imposition, continued monitoring and subsequent evaluations have indicated that further adjustments are necessary. According to President Trump, the increase in tariffs aims to counteract the persistent dumping of low-priced, excess steel and aluminum by foreign countries into the US market. This practice, he notes, undermines the competitiveness and operational capacity of the US steel and aluminum industries, critical sectors for national defense.

Significantly, this policy adjustment also interacts with the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) announced on May 8, 2025. While the UK will initially enjoy a continued tariff rate of 25 percent, this rate could rise to 50 percent if compliance issues arise post-July 9, 2025.

Further instructions have been issued to relevant authorities, including the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to enforce strict compliance with the new measures. This includes ensuring correct declaration of steel and aluminum content in imported articles, with severe penalties stipulated for non-compliance.

As the situation evolves, the Secretary of Commerce will continue to monitor and provide updates on the import status, keeping national security as a forefront consideration. The new tariff rates and enforcement measures are expected to bolster the domestic industries, ultimately aiming to mitigate the national security risks identified by the Commerce Department.