Trump’s Doubled Tariffs to Hold as Deadlines Near

President Donald Trump remains resolute in maintaining his expansive tariff policies, with no plans to extend the temporary pause on global import levies, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Announced in April 2025, these tariffs—ranging from 11% to over 100% on goods entering the U.S.—were paused for 90 days due to stock market turbulence. Speaking on a major U.S. news program, Lutnick affirmed that the pause is set to expire in early July, with Trump determined to enforce the tariffs unless superior trade agreements are secured. Lutnick emphasized that the administration is prioritising deals that benefit American workers, dismissing legal challenges to the tariff agenda and signalling confidence in upcoming negotiations.

On May 30, 2025, Trump announced a significant escalation, doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective June 4. The decision, unveiled at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works in Pennsylvania, aims to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign producers like China, India, and Japan. This move coincides with a major U.S. Steel-Nippon deal, which Trump touted as preserving jobs and ensuring American control. However, critics, including economists, warn that the increased tariffs could raise costs for industries like automotive and construction, while straining trade relations with key partners such as Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. The lack of clear justification for the 50% rate has sparked debate over the policy’s economic rationale.

Trump’s tariffs have heightened tensions with global trading partners, particularly China, the world’s second-largest economy. A May trade truce in Geneva lowered U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, with China reducing its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10%. Despite this, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of disrupting global supply chains by withholding critical industrial products, potentially intentionally. Anticipated talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aim to address these issues, though no specific timeline has been confirmed. Other nations, including the European Union, Vietnam, and South Africa, face higher tariffs as “worst offenders” in trade practices, according to the White House, further complicating international relations.

The tariff policies have disrupted global trade dynamics, creating uncertainty for U.S. businesses. Economists like Felix Tintelnot from Duke University argue that the fluctuating tariff rates deter long-term investments in heavy industries, undermining claims of widespread economic benefits. Wayne Winegarden of the Pacific Research Institute criticized the tariffs as inconsistent, noting that higher steel and aluminium costs could harm domestic manufacturers and raise consumer prices. Despite these concerns, Trump’s advisors, including National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, stress the need for a robust steel industry for national defense. As deadlines approach, the administration remains focused on securing trade deals while preparing for potential escalation if negotiations falter.