Trump still intends to impose tariffs on steel imports

The head of US steelmaker Nucor Corp said he received assurances from the White House that President Donald Trump is still determined to impose tariffs on imports of steel products, which include pipe and steel sheet. Despite repeated delays, the decision remains in effect.

Meanwhile, American steel consumers, who rely on cheaper imports, said they could raise the prices of the consumer goods they produce.

In late June, the Trump administration missed its deadline to complete an investigation into whether steel imports threaten national security. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department is leading the investigation, said in an interview last week that the decision on steel tariffs was delayed until tax reform is complete, which Trump wants to do before the end of the year.

Trump has repeatedly complained that steel dumping is distorting the global marketplace, singling out China as the main culprit, and says he is considering imposing tariffs and quotas on sheet metal imports to address the "big problem." Trump's pledge to protect the domestic steel industry was part of his main campaign theme to revitalize production, which has garnered support from voters.

Nucor is among the US steelmakers lobbying for more decisive action on steel imports, which they say will provide protection from foreign competitors.

Industry experts warn that imposing tariffs on US steel imports will come with a swift trade crackdown. The sheet metal measures could complicate relations with China, while the US is pressuring it to discourage North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missiles.