The United States has increased import tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum from 25 to 50 percent. The country also continues to tax metal imports from the United Kingdom. However, a lower rate of 25 percent applies to these.
U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously agreed that the Americans would abolish import tariffs on British steel and aluminum.
After July 9, the U.S. may reintroduce import tariffs if it believes that the British are not adhering to trade agreements.
The goal of the measure is to “more effectively prevent countries from continuing to sell low-priced, surplus steel and aluminum in the United States.” Countries that do this would undermine the competitiveness of American industry.
Trump already announced the tariff increase last week when he addressed employees of an American steel factory in Pennsylvania.