President Trump will sign a pair of proclamations Thursday that impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum but offer relief to some U.S. allies.
The tariffs, which take effect in 15 days, initially will not apply to imports from Canada and Mexico so that U.S. officials can assess progress toward a new North American Free Trade deal, according to a senior administration official.
Other countries with a “security relationship” to the United States may seek exemptions by opening talks with the administration on “alternative ways” to address the threats the administration alleges their products pose to national security, the official said.
The plan differs significantly from Trump’s initial suggestion he would apply the taxes to all imports, a change that follows a week of pleas from his fellow Republicans to narrow the tariffs or abandon them entirely.
#BREAKING: Trump orders steep tariffs on aluminum and steel imports despite GOP opposition https://t.co/Mx3n3oclqj pic.twitter.com/qcyPspTkgQ
— The Hill (@thehill) March 8, 2018