US President Donald Trump signed a third executive decree yesterday with which they will grow in a few hours from 25% to 50% Customs duties imposed on imported steel and imported aluminum, metallurgical areas considered to be strategic and the Republican of the White House means protecting.

The executive decree clarifies that new additional customs duties are in force Today at 00:01 (local time; at 07:01 Greek time).

“I have considered that it is necessary to increase customs duties on steel and aluminum in order to regulate imports (…) to ensure that they do not endanger national security”he says in the text.

According to the US president, “Increased customs duties will be more effective in combating (the practice) of foreign countries to export surrender production at low US market prices to undermine the competitiveness of the US steel and aluminum industries.”

“Although the customs duties imposed so far have offered necessary prices on the US market, have not allowed these industries to grow and acquire sufficient production capabilities necessary for their continued health and the intended needs of national defense,” It also justifies the text of the Presidential Executive Decree.

The additional duties of 25% In the imported steel and the imported aluminum decided by the US government, they were implemented in mid -March. It was one of the first decisions on the issue that Donald Trump made as soon as he returned to the White House in January.

The US president, on the occasion of his visit to Pennsylvania (east) on Friday. announced the doubling of customs duties In these metals, assuring that “Our industries (…) will become stronger than ever.”

OR European Commission reacted on Saturday, expressing ‘Deeply regret’ For new customs duties, which ‘Undermine’ the attempts in progress to ‘We end up with a negotiation solution’ With Washington.

THE Canadathe largest supplier of these products in the United States, filed the World Trade Organization (WTO) on March 13th on March 13th against the first wave of customs duties in steel and aluminum by Washington.

The Canadian government argued in the appeal that these measures are ‘Incompatible with US obligations’ In terms of international trade, he clarified WTO.

The US introduced about half the steel and half the aluminum used in the country in 2024.