Trump to announce 25% aluminum and steel tariffs in latest trade escalation
GuardianFEB 20
Trump to Impose 25% Tariffs on All Steel, Aluminum Imports
Above: Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Feb. 3, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The tariffs are essential for protecting American industry and ensuring fair trade practices. The current system allows other countries to take advantage of the US through unfair practices, and these measures will level the playing field for US firms and reduce dependence on foreign steel and aluminum.
Anti-Trump narrative
These tariffs will harm the global economy and trigger retaliatory measures from trading partners. The measures will increase costs for US manufacturers, potentially lead to job losses in steel-using industries, and risk sparking a broader trade war that could damage international economic cooperation.