New U.S. tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum are set to hit European Union nations, Mexico, and Canada. Tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum will be levied on imports from the three U.S. trading partners. The three trading partners have been among Washington’s closest allies for decades.
President Trump had originally announced the tariffs in March. Several U.S. allies received temporary exemptions from the tariffs while they negotiated potential limits on shipments to the United States. The United States has negotiated voluntary export limits with several other nations, including South Korea, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil.
The president sees a rising tide of imports as a threat to the domestic metals industry. However, companies that use imported metals say that the action endangers U.S. jobs and investment. A statement from the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association made after the tariffs were announced said, “Our members could face having to pay double tariffs on some materials necessary to manufacture parts in the U.S.”
European leaders have said they will lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization about the U.S. tariffs. Jean-Claude Junker, president of the European Commission, said, “This is protectionism, pure and simple.” Mexico has also announced tariffs on multiple U.S. agricultural and industrial products in retaliation.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that he intends to continue talks with officials from Canada, Mexico, and Europe. He said, “We continue to be quite willing, indeed eager, to have further discussions with all of these parties.”
