1 week ago
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The European Union has vowed to take “firm and proportionate countermeasures” in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, raising concerns over a potential trade war.
Trump signed proclamations late on Monday increasing the US tariff rate on aluminium from 10% to 25% and scrapping country-specific exceptions, quota arrangements, and hundreds of product-specific tariff exclusions for both metals.
A White House official confirmed that the measures would take effect on 4 March, applying to millions of tons of steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and other countries that had previously enjoyed duty-free access under exemptions.
Trump told reporters that the move was intended to simplify the tariff system. “It’s 25% without exceptions or exemptions. That’s all countries, no matter where it comes from, all countries,” he said.
The president also announced plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs on all countries imposing duties on US goods, with further details expected in the coming days. He added that he was considering tariffs on cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
When asked about possible retaliatory measures from other countries, Trump responded: “I don’t mind.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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