Steel Tariffs Soar to 50% Under Trump, Nippon Deal Sparks Ownership Debate

In a move set to reshape global trade, Donald Trump on Friday announced a dramatic increase in foreign tariffs on steel imports, raising them to 50%. The declaration, made at a US Steel plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, coincided with his enthusiastic endorsement of a “blockbuster” deal for Nippon Steel to invest in US Steel, a development he claims will bolster American workers.
The doubling of tariffs from the previous 25%, also extending to imported aluminum and effective June 4, is presented by Trump as a decisive action to safeguard the domestic steel industry. This aggressive trade stance comes after a federal appeals court affirmed his right to impose tariffs under national security provisions, solidifying his ability to enact such significant policy changes.
However, the celebratory atmosphere was tempered by persistent questions surrounding the exact nature of the Nippon Steel and US Steel agreement. While Trump has shifted from opposing the acquisition to hailing a “partnership,” US Steel’s own online platforms consistently refer to the deal as an “acquisition.” This stark contradiction has created widespread confusion, prompting even sympathetic media commentators to seek clarification on the ultimate ownership and control of US Steel. The United Steelworkers union, meanwhile, remains wary, prioritizing national security and worker impact.