Trump: No exemptions on steel, aluminum tariffs
By: Christopher Cann
USA Today
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said he does not intend to cerate exemptions on sweeping steel and aluminum tariffs and reaffirmed that addition duties will go into effect early next month. [04/2025]
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Speaking to reporters abroad air force One late Sunday, [03/16/2025] Trump said 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. which went into effect last week, [03/11/2025] are here to stay. He added that reciprocal tariffs, as well as ones based on economic sectors, will kick in April 2, [2025] which he referred to as a "liberating day."
..... "They charge us, and we charge them,' he said of the reciprocal tariffs,. "Then, in addition to that, on autos, on steel, on aluminum, we're going to have some additional tariffs."
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Trump raised tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to a flat 25%, without exemptions or exceptions in a move that was designed to help U.S. industry while contributing to an escalating trade war.
..... After these tariffs were imposed, Canada and the European Union retaliated with countermeasures on U.S. exports. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has said her government will wait for a possible resolution in the coming weeks before deciding on retaliation.
..... The back-and-forth has sparked uncertainly that has driven U.S. stock lower and fueled fears of a recession. Adding to those fears, Trump and members of his Cabinet have declined to rule out a possible recession.
..... Trump's tariffs and the ongoing trade war will slow growth in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and drive up inflation, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and development said Monday. [03/17/2025]
..... The global economic policy forum said the impacts of the trade war will be felt in American's pocketbooks. Higher prices are likely and an economic slowdown will cut into any financial benefit of the duties, the OECD said.
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The OECD cut its economic growth forecast to 2.2% for this year [2025] and 1.6% for 2026. The previous forecast estimated the U.S. economy would grow by 2.4% in 2025 and 2.1% next year. [2026]
..... The forum's latest outlook takes into account the additional tariffs Trump has vowed to impose on April 2. [2025]
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French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday [03/17/2025] said trade that adhered to international rules on commerce was a more effective tool for prosperity than tariffs, according to Reuters.
..... "I think we both believe that fair trade that respects international rules is good for everyone's prosperity, and is certainly more effective than tariffs," Macron told reporters along side Canadian Prim Minster Mark Carney.
..... Carney, who was making his first trip overseas since becoming prime minister planed to visit London after leaving Paris late Monday. [03/17/2025]
..... Also, a member of the French Parliament demanded the U.S. return the Statue of Liberty.
..... Raphael Glucksman, head of the center-left politician party Place Poublique and a fierce critic of Trump, made the comments to his supporters at a conference on Sunday, [03/16/2025] according to the Agency France-Presse, or AFP.
..... "We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it,' he said
..... Contributing: Reuters