WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed proclamations imposing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum.
Trump says a 25 percent tariff will be added to steel and a 10 percent tariff will apply to aluminum.
The president was surrounded by steel and aluminum workers as he explained his decision at a White House ceremony. He signed separate proclamations ordering the tariffs.
Trump says the levies will take effect in about 15 days. He says Canada and Mexico could be exempted based on the outcome of talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Trump invited the workers to speak. Several spoke of how excessive “dumping” of steel and aluminum imports had negatively affected their jobs and families.
Congressman Steve Womack released this statement after the announcement:
“I am extremely concerned that President Trump’s aluminum and steel tariffs could counteract the recent successes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: a significant increase in U.S. competiveness, a low unemployment rate, and a boost in the U.S. economy. Instead of inflicting unintended, negative consequences on American businesses, our eyes should be on unfair trading partners, such as China. I ask the Administration to work with Congress as we enact meaningful legislation that will protect jobs in America, promote fair trade, and support the hard-working people of Arkansas’s Third District.”
