Signed yesterday (3/6) the executive decree that would increase in a few hours from 25% to 50% the customs duties imposed on imported steel and the imported aluminum, metallurgical areas considered to be strategic and the Republican of the Republican.
The executive decree states that the new additional customs are in force today at 00:01 (local time – 07:01 Greek time).
“I have considered that it is necessary to increase customs duties on steel and aluminum in order to regulate imports (…) to ensure that they do not endanger national security. Increased customs duties will be more effective in combating (the practice) of foreign countries to export surrender production at low US market prices to undermine the competitiveness of US steel and aluminum industries, “he said in the text.
“Although the customs duties imposed so far have offered necessary prices on the US market, they have not allowed the industries to grow and acquire sufficient production capabilities that are necessary for their continued health and the prescribed needs of the National Defense,” he also justifies.
‘Deep regret’ by the European Commission
The additional 25% duties on imported steel and the imported aluminum decided by the US government was implemented in mid -March. It was one of the first decisions on the issue that Donald Trump made as soon as he returned to the White House in January.
The US president, on the occasion of his visit to Pennsylvania on Friday, announced the doubling of customs duties in these metals, assuring that “our industries (…) will become stronger than ever”.
The European Commission reacted on Saturday, expressing “deep regret” for new customs duties, which “undermine” efforts in progress to “end up with a negotiation” with Washington.
Canada, the largest supplier of these products in the US, filed the World Trade Organization (WTO) on March 13 on March 13th against the first wave of customs duties in steel and Aluminum by Washington.
The Canadian government has argued in the appeal that these measures were “incompatible with US obligations” in international trade, the WTO said. The US introduced about half the steel and half the aluminum used in the country in 2024.
Source: RES-EIA-AFP
