PITTSBURGH, PA — President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will double tariffs on imported steel, raising the rate from 25% to 50% in a move he says is aimed at protecting American manufacturing and reinforcing national strength.
Speaking to a crowd of steelworkers in Pittsburgh, Trump declared the increase a “decisive step” toward revitalizing the domestic steel industry and fending off foreign competition.
“We’re raising it to 50%—a full doubling of the previous rate,” Trump said. “It’s about making sure our steelworkers are never at a disadvantage again. At 50%, no one’s hopping that fence.”
The new tariff rate is set to go into effect Wednesday, June 4, and is expected to be one of the boldest trade actions of Trump’s second term.
Trump said the decision was driven by conversations with union workers, who he claimed unanimously supported the larger increase. “I asked, ‘40% or 50%?’ They didn’t hesitate—they said 50. And I said, ‘You got it.’”
A Blow to Foreign Producers
The announcement signals a renewed emphasis on economic nationalism, echoing many of Trump’s trade policies from his first term. The administration argues that cheap foreign steel has hurt U.S. jobs and undercut the nation’s ability to sustain its industrial base.
According to Trump, the measure will make it far harder for overseas companies to dump underpriced steel into American markets.
“Wall Street might not like it at first,” he said. “But they’re starting to realize—Trump was right.”
Industry Investment, Not Layoffs
Trump also commented on Nippon Steel’s planned $14 billion investment into U.S. Steel, assuring workers that “no one is losing their job” and that U.S. Steel’s headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh. He emphasized that although foreign capital is involved, the company will remain under American control.
“It’s an investment, not a takeover,” Trump said. “They’re putting money into America, and our workers will reap the benefits.”
Inflation Worries Dismissed
While critics on Wall Street and in some policy circles have warned that doubling tariffs could exacerbate inflation or disrupt supply chains, Trump dismissed those concerns, instead framing the move as a long-term win for American jobs and production.
“The people who really get it are right here—steelworkers, not stockbrokers,” he said. “This is about making America strong, independent, and proud again.”
Trump later reaffirmed the move on Truth Social, calling it a “BIG jolt of great news” for American workers and pledging continued support for domestic industries.
