Trump Considers 60% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 3:17 GMT by The New York Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CHINA

Washington, D.C. - January 22nd, 2026 - Former President Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering a significant escalation of trade policies, contemplating the implementation of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that could reach as high as 60%. This move, sources close to Trump indicate, is primarily aimed at protecting American manufacturing and directly confronting perceived unfair trade practices originating from China.

The potential tariffs, still in the developmental phase, would cast a wide net, impacting a substantial range of steel and aluminum products. While the policy aims to broadly bolster domestic industry, China remains the central target. Trump has consistently maintained that China's overproduction and resulting excess capacity are disrupting global markets, unfairly undercutting American businesses, and contributing to job losses within the United States.

This proposal isn't a sudden development. Discussions among Trump's advisors have been ongoing for months. The perception within his inner circle is that aggressive trade measures resonate powerfully with working-class voters, a crucial demographic in his campaign to regain the presidency. However, the plan isn't without internal friction. Concerns are being raised about the potential ripple effects: increased costs for American consumers, potential retaliatory tariffs from other nations, and a wider destabilization of international trade.

In a recent interview, Trump stated, "We're looking at everything. Steel and aluminum are very important to our country. We have to protect our industries." This seemingly casual remark underscores the seriousness of the consideration, hinting at a return to policies significantly more restrictive than those previously enacted.

The proposed tariff levels represent a considerable jump from the 10-25% tariffs imposed during Trump's first term in 2018. Those earlier tariffs triggered a protracted trade war with China and other countries and were subsequently eased by the Biden administration as part of a broader strategy to repair fractured international relationships. Trump, however, appears less inclined to prioritize those relationships, consistently signaling a commitment to a more confrontational trade stance with China should he be elected.

Legal justification for the tariffs would likely leverage Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This section grants the President the authority to impose tariffs on imports considered a threat to national security - the same justification employed in 2018. While proponents argue this provides a solid legal foundation, critics contend that Section 232 is a tenuous legal basis and that such tariffs ultimately inflict more harm on American consumers and businesses than they protect.

Economists warn that imposing such sweeping tariffs could exacerbate existing economic vulnerabilities. China's economy is already facing headwinds, and further economic pressure could trigger broader instability across the globe. They also question the effectiveness of tariffs in addressing the underlying issues of overproduction, arguing that they primarily act as a regressive tax on consumers.

Despite these concerns, Trump seems determined to pursue this policy. He firmly believes it will galvanize his political base and serve as a powerful message to China regarding the prioritization of American economic interests. As Trump succinctly put it, "We're going to make America great again. And that means protecting our workers and our industries."

Looking Ahead: The potential implementation of these tariffs has broader implications. It signals a potential return to a more protectionist trade environment and could significantly reshape relationships with key global trading partners. The coming weeks are likely to see increased scrutiny and debate surrounding this proposal as Trump's campaign intensifies and the debate over America's trade policy heats up.