President Donald Trump has turned up the heat on global trade by announcing he will double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum starting June 4. The move marks a significant escalation in a trade confrontation that is already facing legal scrutiny and a narrow 90-day window to strike new deals.
Trump’s decision comes as his broader tariff strategy faces mounting challenges in U.S. courts, where industry groups and trading partners have sought to block or limit the measures. At the same time, the president had paused plans for reciprocal tariffs to give negotiators a chance to clinch agreements on auto imports, digital services and other key sectors.
"This doubling of duties is a watershed moment," says Jane Lee, senior analyst at Global Trade Insights. "Companies will need to rethink global sourcing and pricing to stay competitive."
For businesses, the higher duties threaten to reshape supply chains and boost costs. U.S. steel producers, long protected by the tariffs, are already preparing to expand capacity, while automakers and construction firms warn that price hikes could ripple through manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
A range of trading partners, from European Union members to Canada and Mexico, have called on Washington to reconsider. Some experts warn that retaliatory measures could follow, potentially affecting everything from agriculture exports to consumer electronics.
With the 90-day clock ticking, negotiators have little time to ease tensions and restore certainty for global markets. As June 4 approaches, all eyes will be on Washington to see whether the White House chooses dialogue or further confrontation.
Stay tuned as we track how this latest tariff twist shapes the future of global trade.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
