President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum products imported into the U.S. has sparked significant controversy. Although the implementation of the tariffs has been delayed by a month, the move comes just nine days after the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on China, signaling the start of a full-scale trade war.

On the 10th, according to Reuters, President Trump signed an executive order to this effect in the White House Oval Office. President Trump emphasized, “There will be no exceptions to the steel and aluminum tariffs.” He also stated, “We are considering imposing tariffs on automobiles, semiconductor chips, pharmaceuticals, and more.”

Earlier, President Trump revealed his plans to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, the professional football championship game. He said, “Any steel coming into the U.S. will be subject to a 25% tariff.” When asked about aluminum, he replied, “The same goes for aluminum.” White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt explained that the newly announced tariffs are in addition to existing tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Previously, during his first term, President Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, imposing a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum, citing national security concerns. At the time, South Korea negotiated with the U.S. to avoid steel tariffs by agreeing to a quota system that limits export volumes.

During the flight, President Trump also announced plans for reciprocal tariffs. He stated that reciprocal tariffs would be announced on the 11th or 12th and would take effect almost immediately. During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that apply unfavorable trade conditions, such as tariffs, to the U.S., but the exact scope and level of these tariffs had been a subject of debate.

When asked when the reciprocal tariffs would take effect, he replied, “Almost immediately,” adding, “But I will announce the details, and this will be good for everyone, including other countries. If they impose 130% tariffs on us and we impose nothing, that situation won’t continue.” When asked if the tariffs would apply to all countries, he said, “It will be reciprocal for all countries. It won’t affect everyone because some places already have similar tariffs. But we will apply reciprocity to countries taking advantage of the U.S.”

The discussion on tariffs arose as President Trump responded to questions about Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel. He stated that he would not allow another country to acquire U.S. Steel but was fine with Nippon Steel investing in a minority stake, emphasizing, “No one can hold a majority stake in U.S. Steel.” He added that U.S. Steel was once a great American company but declined due to poor government and management, saying, “Tariffs will make U.S. Steel a very successful company again.”

The industry welcomed Trump’s tariff policy. Kevin Dempsey, president of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), said, “We applaud President Trump’s commitment to building a strong U.S. steel industry. The steel industry looks forward to working closely with the Trump administration to address distorted policies and practices that create unfair competition.”

Meanwhile, commodities such as copper reacted sensitively to Trump’s tariff policy. On the London Metal Exchange, copper futures prices surged 64.87% from
$558, hitting an all-time high.



<Hongyong Park>