Former President **Donald Trump** has stunned economists and world leaders by declaring that his administration would impose **100% tariffs on imported steel**, branding it a “dying industry” that must be revived at all costs. Speaking during a rally in Ohio, Trump claimed the drastic measure would “force the world to buy American steel or collapse.” As The New York Times reported, the announcement has already sent shockwaves through global markets, with steel futures spiking overnight and foreign governments preparing retaliation.
Trump argued that U.S. steel has been “cheated out of existence” by countries like China, which he accused of “dumping garbage steel” into international markets. According to Reuters’ breakdown, the former president said the 100% tariff would take effect “immediately upon my return to the White House,” effectively doubling down on the trade wars that defined his first term. He described the move as a “rescue mission” for American manufacturing, even as experts warned it could ignite a global economic standoff.
BREAKING: Trump vows 100% tariffs on foreign steel imports — “The dying industry will rise again.” — @nytimes
The steel industry has long been a flashpoint in U.S. trade policy. Once the backbone of American infrastructure, it has been in steady decline for decades, with production shifting overseas. The Washington Post explained that Trump’s new plan would effectively double or triple the cost of foreign-made steel entering U.S. ports, making domestic steel comparatively cheaper but raising prices for industries reliant on imports, including construction and automotive manufacturing.
International response has been swift and severe. The European Union condemned the plan as “economic blackmail,” with officials vowing reciprocal tariffs on American exports if Trump follows through. Meanwhile, China accused Trump of “sabotaging free trade” and hinted at curbing rare-earth mineral exports in retaliation. BBC News noted that the ripple effects could touch everything from global car prices to housing construction costs, pushing inflationary pressure across multiple economies.
EU warns of “massive retaliation” if Trump enforces 100% tariffs on steel. — @BBCWorld
Economists are divided. Supporters argue that reviving domestic steel would protect jobs and rebuild American independence from foreign suppliers. Fox Business highlighted voices from Rust Belt communities praising the plan as “the first serious promise to bring back steel.” Critics, however, say consumers and companies will bear the brunt of skyrocketing costs, and warn that global retaliation could spark another trade war with devastating consequences.
Trump himself seemed energized by the controversy, doubling down in follow-up posts on Truth Social. He wrote that “fake economists” didn’t understand his vision and that tariffs would “make America rich again.” As CNN reported, Trump mocked global leaders who voiced concern, saying: “They need us more than we need them. They’ll come crawling.”
Back home, the reaction has split along predictable lines. Labor unions cautiously welcomed the announcement, hoping it could restore steel towns devastated by decades of closures. Corporate leaders, however, warned of higher input costs. The Wall Street Journal analyzed how car manufacturers, in particular, could face billions in added expenses if forced to source exclusively from U.S. producers.
WSJ: Trump’s 100% steel tariffs could trigger global trade war, costing U.S. automakers billions. — @WSJ
For many observers, the golden “24 Karat Oval Office” spectacle Trump unveiled just days earlier was pure branding, but this tariff announcement represents concrete policy with real consequences. As The Economist explained, a 100% tariff on steel would not only shift trade flows but also test America’s diplomatic relationships with allies who rely on steel exports. Analysts say the move risks isolating the U.S. at a time when global supply chains remain fragile.
Whether the bold threat is political theater or a genuine policy Trump intends to enact if elected, one fact is clear: the promise of 100% tariffs on steel has already rattled markets and sparked fierce international debate. For the communities that once thrived on American steel, it offers a glimmer of revival — but for the rest of the world, it may ignite a trade conflict with no winners.