An order signed on Tuesday said the previous charge had “not yet enabled” domestic industries “to develop and maintain the rates of capacity production utilisation that are necessary for the industries’ sustained health and for projected national defence needs.”
President Donald Trump has raised steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% from 25%, following through on a pledge to boost US import taxes to help domestic manufacturers.
Trump cast the move, which took effect at 12.01am Washington time on Wednesday, as necessary to protect national security.
