WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump announced Thursday afternoon the implementation of steep tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to address what he said is an “assault on our country.”
The president said a 25 percent tax will apply to steel imports and 10 percent tax will be added to aluminum brought into the U.S.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the excess of imported steel and aluminum is a “travesty” and hurts American workers and industry.
In making the long-awaited announcement Thursday, Trump said the U.S. industry has been “ravaged by aggressive foreign trade practices.”
At a cabinet meeting early Thursday, Trump said he would provide temporary exemptions for Canada and Mexico as he works to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement.
He also suggested Australia and other countries might be spared.
The move has sparked criticism from some Republicans, Democrats and U.S. manufacturers; who fear the tariffs could spark a trade war.
WBAP News contributed to this report.
