The president’s plan to impose 25 percent tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum could protect U.S. suppliers, while increasing costs for others.

Steel and aluminum are heavily used in the automotive and construction industry, but are also used to manufacture goods and appliances. The decision mirrors the actions Trump levied during his first Administration, when he enacted a 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminum, though some countries, including South Korea were exempt.

In 2018, the first Trump administration imposed a 10% duty on imported aluminium and 25% on steel. The purpose was to support domestic production and make the industries more self-reliant.