Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50% - what does that mean for us?

Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50% - what does that mean for us?

Vienna, Österreich - President Donald Trump has announced that the tariffs are currently being double to 50% of the goods value on steel imports. He made this decision in a speech to steel workers in Pennsylvania and he described tariffs as his "absolute favorite word". Trump argues that the higher tariffs would strengthen the US steel industry and promote national security. The announcement comes at a time when numerous other tariffs have already been announced or implemented, including a new penalty tax from 10% to almost all imports. These measures also affect large trading partners such as China and the EU.

The current steel tariffs are justified with the protection of national security. While legal processes are running to check the legality of many of these tariffs, the new steel tariffs are not affected. Experts warn that the higher tariffs could make it difficult to import steel products into the United States, which could lead to increased trade conflicts. In response to the new tariffs, the EU and other trading partners negotiate with the United States to conclude possible trade agreements that could avoid increasing tariffs. Trump has suspended additional tariffs from 50% to EU imports by the beginning of July to give negotiations more time.

global reactions and trade negotiations

The global markets have already been caught on the customs announcements and were negatively affected by the news. Before the announcement on April 2, 2025, which is supposed to introduce new tariffs, Trump described the day as "Liberation Day" and criticized the EU for unfair trade practices. In response to the expected tariffs, the EU is already planning possible countermeasures. Canada sees itself as an ideal partner for a free trade agreement with the EU and emphasizes his role as the "most European non-European country".

In addition, the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) sees three options for combating US protectionism: negotiations, counter-tariffs and a deepening of the EU internal market. The German auto industry in particular is concerned about the effects of customs announcements. Customs duties on Chinese imports in the USA are already in force, and the EU also has to deal with tariffs on steel and aluminum. In addition, 25 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts from the EU should also be introduced to the USA.

The Situation remains tense because countries such as South Korea, China and Japan examine closer trade relationships and possible free trade agreements. Experts such as Commerzbank chief host Jörg Krämer say that the United States could harm itself in the long term by withdrawing from the international division of labor.

vienna.at reports , href = "https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/wirtschaft/usa-zoelle-trump-welthandel-freihandelsegijahel-100.html"> ZDF reports .