Trump signs decree to introduce customs tariffs on steel and aluminum

US President Donald Trump signed a decree to introduce customs tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum mill articles.

Trump’s plan is to impose a 25% tariff on imports of steel, and a 10% tariff on aluminium. The initial plan was for a global levy, although Trump made clear exceptions would be made and suggested that allies’ military spending might be taken into account, the Guardian reported.

At the same time, Trump promised to show "great flexibility and cooperation toward those that are real friends and treat us fairly on both trade and the military" before signing the document.

In the presidential proclamation on the introduction of the tariffs, released by the White House, Trump said that any country with which the United States has "a security relationship" is welcome to discuss "alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country."

The tariffs will not be applied to foreign companies who open production facilities in the United States.

Certain nations may be exempt from tariffs, including Canada and Mexico. The tariffs will come into force in 15 days.