**EU to Impose Tariffs of Up to 50% on Steel and Aluminum from Mexico and Canada Effective March 12**
The United States is set to impose tariffs of up to 50% on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico and Canada. This new policy, announced by President Donald Trump earlier this week, is proposed to take effect on March 12, 2025. The initial tariffs, at 25%, were announced on February 10, 2025, and impacted certain goods from both Mexico and Canada. However, these tariffs were suspended for a month as negotiations continued. According to a U.S. federal official, the new tariffs aim to incentivize both nations to address issues related to illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
The decision has prompted strong reactions from the Mexican steel industry. The National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (CANACERO) has urged the Mexican government to retaliate with similar measures targeting U.S. steel products. They argue that such tariffs will severely impact the North American metal industry and its competitiveness, highlighting a significant trade surplus already in favor of the U.S. by the end of 2024.
CANACERO, representing the Mexican steel sector, has expressed their rejection of these tariffs. They argue that the close economic integration between the three countries should be prioritized, especially in light of global competition from countries like China and Southeast Asia. The chamber contends that these measures, if not countered, threaten $2.1 billion in steel exports and could lead to significant job losses and compromised investments in Mexico.
The organization’s statement calls on the Mexican government to pursue economic reasoning to achieve Mexico’s exclusion from these tariffs. If efforts to negotiate an exclusion fail, CANACERO has signaled that reciprocal tariffs should be imposed on American steel imports.
**Secondary Article**
**Global Steel Trade Tensions Rise Amid U.S. Tariff Plans**
The imposition of new tariffs by the United States on steel and aluminum from its neighboring countries, Mexico and Canada, could intensify global trade tensions, particularly in the steel industry known for its complex supply chains and international markets. This policy change follows similar initiatives in past years where the U.S. has sought to address trade imbalances and national security concerns through economic policies.
Some analysts argue that the new tariffs could disrupt North American supply chains, which are intricately linked due to longstanding trade agreements. They also raise concerns about the potential for trade disputes to spread beyond the continent, affecting relationships with other major steel producers globally.
This move arrives amidst a backdrop of economic recovery efforts post-pandemic, where governments worldwide are navigating the challenges of stabilizing their economies while engaging in international commerce. The outcome of the U.S.’s new policy measures will likely influence trade dynamics and negotiations in other regions dealing with similar industry pressures.
As countries await final decisions and potential negotiations, the global steel market remains vigilant, assessing the potential impacts of these tariffs and preparing for possible retaliatory measures from affected nations.