Three weeks of presidency, three salvos. After the 25% tariffs brandished but not imposed on Colombia, Canada and Mexico, after the 10% rate imposed on China, now there are those on steel and aluminum. In the Oval Office on Monday, February 10, Donald Trump announced the introduction of a generalized 25% tariff on these two metals and the processed products derived from them. Specifically, the Republican president is removing exemptions granted to his allies on steel under his first term – or by his successor, Joe Biden – and raising duties on aluminum from 10% to 25%.

"We were being pummelled by both friend and foe alike. It's time for our great industries to come back to America," declared Trump. But, as often with Trump, it's not easy to distinguish between bluff, intimidation, and reality, especially as the measure is not due to take effect until March 12. "I deeply regret the US decision," responded European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement on Tuesday, February 11. "Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered – they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures."

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