Meanwhile, Canada’s industry minister said the US tariffs were “totally unjustified”, with Canadian steel and aluminum supporting key US industries including defense, shipbuilding, energy and autos.
Trump’s decision to impose the tariff has alarmed the steel industry in South Korea, the fourth-biggest exporter of steel to the US after Canada, Brazil and Mexico.
Trump later said he would give “great consideration” to Australia’s request for an exemption to the steel tariffs due to that country’s trade deficit with the US.
In an Oval Office signing ceremony Monday, Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, to be enforced “without exceptions or exemptions”.
The tariffs will affect every country that exports steel and aluminum to the US – although some, including Australia, have already been making the case for why they should be exempt.
