Trump has also threatened to introduce tariffs - a tax on imports - on goods from Canada and Mexico, but paused these for 30 days after both countries agreed to boost border security. The US president has said tariffs are needed to help the American economy and to "protect" the country from the "major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs".

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.

President Trump announced a new 25% blanket tariff on all steel and aluminum imports. This tariff is part of a growing list of tariffs his administration has already threatened or imposed.