Trump says no exemptions on steel and aluminium tariffs

US President Donald Trump says he has no intention of creating exemptions on steel and aluminium tariffs, and that reciprocal and sectoral tariffs will be imposed on April 2.

In February Trump raised tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium to a flat 25 per cent, without exemptions or exceptions, in a move that was designed to help US industry while contributing to an escalating trade war.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said reciprocal duties on US trading partners would come alongside auto duties.

“In certain cases, both,” Trump said when asked if he would be imposing sectoral and reciprocal tariffs on April 2.

“They charge us, and we charge them. Then, in addition to that, on autos, on steel, on aluminium, we’re going to have some additional,” he said.

Trump has said previously he would impose reciprocal tariffs on US friends and foes alike at the beginning of April.