President Donald Trump made an unexpected move on Sunday to announce that the U.S. will enforce a 25% tax on all steel and aluminum exports from Canada and Mexico as well as other countries in one of the most aggressive trade policy decisions. The announced date for Trump’s official decision falls on February 10th 2025 and brings major changes to his trade stance while indicating new tariffs for foreign trade items will follow soon after.
On the flight to New Orleans for the Super Bowl Trump stressed to reporters that steel plus aluminum entering the US would have to pay 25 percent duties. Trump implied that the United States would raise import duties to opposing levels when foreign countries apply heavy tariffs on American exports which he described as “not going to stay that way.”
Financial markets experienced market losses following Trump’s initial Friday remarks regarding steel tariffs. The market experienced increased anxiety because rising fears about taxes along with potential price increases deteriorated consumer confidence. Experts suggest this action will harm diplomatic ties with Canada and Mexico and generate difficulties throughout worldwide supply networks. 
Trump’s current tariff strategy demonstrates his implementation of trade barriers both earlier than his first term in office and as a diplomatic tool before pursuing budget deficit solutions. The opponents of this move claim it will drive negative consequences to American businesses importing materials and the consumers they serve. The global trade industry awaits unpredictable outcomes because of Trump’s tariff implementation.
