The U.S. trade war continued Monday with President Donald Trump levying a 25% tariff on all aluminum and steel imports, effective March 12. The tariffs are expected to impact prices for Michigan consumers and importers in the automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries.
The U.S. is the world’s second-largest steel importer and receives steel and aluminum imports from more than 10 countries. The largest three sources of imports of steel are Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
The U.S. currently imports about half of all aluminum used, primarily from Canada. It has increased importing of aluminum in recent years, with a 25% increase between 2015 and 2022.
The Trump administration levied similar tariffs during Trump’s first term as president. In March 2018, Trump placed a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum, with exemptions for countries such as Canada, Mexico, and other U.S. allies. Trump said that the 2025 tariffs will have no “exceptions or exemptions.”
