Proclamation February 18, 2025 Doc #2025-02833 Proclamation 10896

Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States

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In Simple Terms

The President has decided to end special deals with some countries on steel imports. Now, steel from those countries will have extra taxes when brought into the U.S.

Summary

On February 10, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation to adjust imports of steel into the United States, citing national security concerns. The action reinstates a 25 percent tariff on steel imports from several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK, effective March 12, 2025. The proclamation terminates previous exemptions and alternative agreements with these countries, which were deemed ineffective in addressing the threat to U.S. national security. Additionally, the proclamation ends the product exclusion process that allowed certain steel imports to bypass tariffs, aiming to strengthen domestic steel production and maintain a target capacity utilization rate of at least 80 percent.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

February 10, 2025

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

February 18, 2025

Document #2025-02833

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

Working families and individuals: Steel price increases could raise costs for consumer goods, affecting household budgets.
Small business owners: Higher steel costs may increase expenses for construction and manufacturing businesses, impacting profitability.
Students and recent graduates: Rising costs in industries reliant on steel could limit job opportunities in manufacturing sectors.
Retirees and seniors: Potential price hikes in consumer goods could affect fixed-income budgets, reducing purchasing power.
Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Manufacturing-heavy rural areas might face job impacts, while urban areas could see higher construction costs.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

Domestic steel producers benefit from reduced competition and increased market share.
Foreign steel exporters face challenges due to increased tariffs and market access restrictions.
U.S. construction and manufacturing industries face higher costs due to increased steel prices.
U.S. Department of Commerce is key in implementing and monitoring the tariff adjustments.
Steel industry advocacy groups support tariffs to protect domestic production and jobs.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3–12 months):

Steel import costs increase due to new tariffs.
Domestic steel production sees a modest boost.
Trade tensions rise with affected countries.

Long-term (1–4 years):

Domestic steel industry stabilizes with higher capacity utilization.
Possible retaliatory tariffs impact U.S. exports.
Global steel market adjusts with new trade alliances.

📚 Historical Context

Similar to Trump's 2018 steel tariffs under Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act, 1962.
Reverses Biden's exemptions for allies like EU, Japan, and UK, reinstating broader tariffs.
Echoes Reagan's 1984 steel quotas to protect domestic industry from foreign competition.
Historically notable: Reinstates tariffs on allies, highlighting persistent trade tensions.
Emphasizes national security in trade policy, a recurring theme since Cold War-era trade actions.