U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders imposing 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on March 12, stepping up a long-promised trade war despite warnings from Europe and China.

"Today, I'm simplifying tariffs on steel and aluminum. It's 25% with no exemptions or exemptions," Trump said in the Oval Office. 

In the executive order issued afterward, he stated, "Effective March 12, 2025, all imports of aluminum products and aluminum-derived products from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU countries, and the United Kingdom are subject to an additional ad valorem duty." 

Trump issued a separate order on steel saying it would apply to all imports from the same countries affected by the aluminum tariffs, as well as Brazil, Japan and South Korea, AFP reported.

Canada and Mexico are the largest importers of steel into the US, according to US trade data. Brazil and South Korea are also major steel suppliers.

The US president has also signaled that he will consider imposing additional tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals and computer chips.

"President Trump has made it clear that an important part of the golden age of 'America First' is steel production," explained National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.

Trump also promised to announce broader "reciprocal tariffs" to match those other governments impose on American products.

During his 2017-2021 presidency, the Republican had imposed sweeping tariffs because he believed American industry faced unfair competition from Asian and European countries. | BGNES