Trump likely to impose stiff steel, aluminum tariffs

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK — President Donald J. Trump is set to announce steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports Thursday, people familiar with the matter said, in what would be one of his toughest actions yet to implement a hawkish trade agenda that risks antagonizing friends and foes alike.

Mr. Trump told aides he wants to announce tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum from all countries, according to two people who asked not to be identified because the deliberations aren’t public. One person said the details of the decision may still change, and it’s possible some countries may be granted exemptions.

Mr. Trump has been considering a range of options to curb imports of steel and aluminum, after the Commerce department concluded shipments of the two metals hurt US national security. Leading up to the decision, the president told confidantes he was leaning toward a 24% tariff on steel, the harshest of the alternatives given to him by Commerce.

The US move may provoke retaliation from China, the world’s biggest steel and aluminum producer. China has already launched a probe into US imports of sorghum, and is studying whether to restrict shipments of US soybeans — targets that could hurt Mr. Trump’s support in some politically important farming states. While China accounts for just a fraction of US imports of the metals, it’s accused of flooding the global market and dragging down prices.

CANADA, MEXICO

The decision may also harm relations with key allies including Canada and Mexico, which are already locked in discussions over US demands to change the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada is the biggest foreign supplier of US steel.

The European Union has suggested such an action by the US would face a legal challenge at the World Trade Organization. At home, consumers could see price hikes for everything from cars to beer cans that would be triggered by tariffs.

Defense Secretary James Mattis had lobbied the president for targeted options on steel, warning that sweeping measures could undermine US relations with its allies. European officials have argued that it doesn’t make sense to penalize members of the NATO defense alliance in the name of security.

Mr. Trump was under pressure from lawmakers in his Republican party to soften the blow on foreign steel. Businesses from beverage firms to automakers have warned a crackdown could raise prices in their industries and cost jobs. However, US steel producers and workers have called on Mr. Trump to defend their industry as it grapples with the effects of overcapacity in China.

The decision may play well in Rust Belt states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio that Mr. Trump won after promising a tougher approach to trade.

The announcement will end months of uncertainty over the steel and aluminum market. Last April, the president ordered Commerce to study the impact of steel and aluminum imports on national security under seldom-used section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. The department submitted its final reports to the president in January. — Bloomberg