Trump's 25% Tariffs Threaten Global Steel Trade

President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports is causing significant concern among industry leaders in the UK and EU. Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, described the tariffs as a 'sledgehammer to free trade,' warning they would not only threaten UK steel exports but also distort international trade flows. The UK's government has refrained from criticizing the decision, although trade officials are engaging with the U.S. to understand the implications. Meanwhile, EU officials, including President Ursula von der Leyen, have vowed to respond to these 'unjustified tariffs' with countermeasures. Critics argue that UK steel poses no national security threat to the U.S., emphasizing the importance of British steel to key American industries. The global steel sector faces uncertainty as countries assess their next steps in reaction to the tariffs.