U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Monday imposing tariffs on imports into the United States.steelandaluminumproducts at a rate of 25%.

These executive orders restore steel tariffs tothe levels set during Trump's first term, while raising the 10% aluminum tariff implemented in 2018 to 25%. Additionally, the orders eliminate all exemptions and product exclusion clauses.

"This is a 25% tariff, with no exceptions or exemptions, applying to all countries regardless of where the product comes from," Trump told reporters at a ceremony in the White House as he signed the executive orders.

According tothe White Housesources, the new tariff levels will take effect on March 12, and all exemption and exclusion agreements, including those for European Union member states, will expire at that time.

"Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered—they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said ina statementresponding to Monday's executive orders.

Officials fromMexicoandand Canadaalso responded on Tuesday, calling the new tariffs unjustified.

Steel and aluminum imports have been frequent targets of tariffs in recent presidential administrations. Trump imposed import tariffs on multiple steel and aluminum product categories during hisfirst term, while President Joe Biden also supported these actions duringhis tenure。

According toU.S. Census Bureaudata, the United States imported over 26 million metric tons of steel products in 2024, with Canada and Mexico together accounting for just over 9.1 million metric tons. According tothe American Iron and Steel Institutedata, Brazil, South Korea, and Vietnam also accounted for significant shares of steel imports.

Meanwhile, according tothe U.S. International Trade Administrationdata, the United States imported over 5 million metric tons of aluminum in 2024, with more than half coming from Canada.

The new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could put pressure on U.S. manufacturing, especially the American automotive industry.

"The U.S. automotive industry employs over one million people and relies on imported steel and aluminum, meaning there will be real consequences if the proposed tariffs are implemented," Jonathan Kohlhauer, managing director of global supply chain business at technology consulting firm UST, told Supply Chain Dive before Monday's executive orders were signed.

However, before Trump signed the executive orders on Monday, the American Iron and Steel Institute expressed support for the new tariffs.

"We look forward to working closely with the President and his administration to implement a strong and revitalized trade agenda to address the many market-distorting foreign policies and practices that create an unfair competitive environment for American steel manufacturers," Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, said in an emailed statement.

Meanwhile, after Monday's executive orders were signed, David McCall, international president of the United Steelworkers union,said the organization supports"efforts to curb global steel overcapacity," but warned against tariffs on U.S. allies, especially Canada.

"Canada is not the problem," McCall said. "In fact, Canada has taken steps to align its trade policies with the United States to address unfair foreign trade, and across-the-board tariffs would ultimately hurt workers on both sides of the border."

The president hadhinted at new steel and aluminum import tariffsduring a press conference on Air Force One on Sunday. He also said the United States would announce "reciprocal" tariffs later this week.

On Monday, Trump again expressed intent to implement such reciprocal tariffs and suggested his administration would consider tariffs on product categories such as semiconductors, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals.

"If they charge us, we charge them," Trump said Monday. "If they impose 25%, we impose 25%. If they impose 10%, we impose 10%. If they go far above 25%, we will too."