As he tries to reshape US trade ties with the rest of the world, President Donald Trump has unveiled a new tariff threat: He’s pledged to impose a 25% levy on US imports of steel and aluminum, which were valued at almost $50 billion in 2024. While the move is aimed at strengthening domestic production, it carries implications for the wider economy, given that the US relies on imports to meet a large portion of demand for the metals in sectors such as construction, auto manufacturing, drinks pack