PITTSBURGH, Pa. — President Donald Trump has pledged to raise tariff rates on steel imports, doubling the existing rate from 25% to 50%. During a rally here, he asserted that the change is aimed at revitalizing the local steel sector and reducing the nation’s dependence on imports, particularly from China.

Trump highlighted a projected $14 billion investment in steel production in the region, facilitated through a collaboration between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel. However, details regarding this partnership remain sparse, even as the president promoted the potential benefits to local jobs and production capabilities.

This announcement continues a series of fluctuating tariff policies Trump has adopted since returning to office in January. He promised an immediate impact, asserting that no layoffs would occur and that every American steelworker would receive a $5,000 bonus, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Revisiting the history of U.S. Steel, Trump attributed its survival to previous tariffs he enacted in 2018, claiming the new rate would further secure its future. He expressed confidence that at a 50% tariff, foreign competitors would be unable to penetrate the market.

The policy shift arrives as legal battles regarding the constitutionality of certain tariffs remain unresolved. While an appellate court has permitted the enforcement of some global tariffs, the steel and aluminum duties were unaffected.

The imposition of tariffs has had significant ramifications for international trade, heightening tensions between the U.S. and China, which together represent the world’s largest economies. This ongoing trade skirmish has escalated, with both nations exchanging accusations.

In a recent statement, Trump accused China of breaching a tentative agreement regarding tariffs, which had been reached earlier this month following negotiations in Geneva. While he provided limited details, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that China had failed to eliminate non-tariff barriers as stipulated in the arrangement.

In response, Beijing did not specifically address the allegations but urged the U.S. to end what it characterized as discriminatory practices against Chinese interests. The back-and-forth has raised concerns about the future of trade relations between the two nations as negotiations continue.