The US administration has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports. According to Kyodo News, the decision raised concerns of a global trade war and sparked reactions, especially among the US’s trading partners.
The decision signed by US President Donald Trump was presented as a protectionist measure against steel and aluminum imports. The decision covers all countries, including allied countries. The US administration argues that this step was taken to protect domestic industry and strengthen the country’s national security. However, this decision is expected to have serious economic impacts, especially on major steel and aluminum exporters such as Japan, the European Union and South Korea. Experts warn that such protectionist measures could damage global trade relations and trigger trade wars. Countries such as Japan and the European Union are considering the possibility of appealing to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and taking retaliatory measures against the US decision. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Trade has stated that this decision is contrary to international trade rules and could seriously affect Japan’s economic interests. The US administration emphasizes that this decision was taken to support domestic steel and aluminum producers and to ensure the protection of these sectors, which are critical to the country’s defense industry. The Trump administration has previously pursued policies to strengthen the local industry with similar protectionist measures.
