Import Tariffs on Steel and Metal - What This Means for Your Business
Since Donald Trump was inaugurated as President of the United States on January 20, 2025, global trade has changed significantly in a short time. Within just three months, the conversation has shifted—one of the most talked-about developments being the introduction of new import tariffs. As of early April, a 10% tariff applies for the time being to products from the European Union and a staggering 145% to goods from China.
These tariffs are intended to protect American industry and attract new production investments back to the United States. But the global repercussions are already being felt. We notice it—and so do you.
What’s Happening?
The recent US trade measures have rapidly reshaped the playing field for international producers. Companies from countries like China—and to a lesser extent from Europe—are suddenly losing access to a key market. For a business like Tata Steel in IJmuiden, competing in the US becomes more difficult. For Chinese producers, the high tariffs make it nearly impossible to sell into the American market at all.
As a result, they are looking for alternatives. And Europe is quickly emerging as a new target market. Large volumes previously destined for the US may soon be redirected here—often at lower prices. How this plays out remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the market is more volatile than before.
What Does This Mean for You?
Do you work with steel or metal in your production process—such as stainless steel wire or galvanized wire? Then you may already be noticing the effects: less predictable delivery times, tighter planning requirements, and a market that’s harder to read.
The global market is on edge, and that has a direct impact on your day-to-day operations. It calls for faster decision-making, deeper risk awareness, and partners who are ready to think with you.
How Metalwire Helps You Stay Ahead
At Metalwire, we’re used to navigate in a shifting global market. We’re continuously focused on delivery security—under the right conditions. How?
- Diversified sourcing: We source materials from the world’s leading regions, so we’re not dependent on any single country or supplier.
- Strategic stock levels: We ensure essential materials and dimensions are readily available, allowing us to act quickly when the market moves.
- Monitoring the market: We track international developments closely—from trade policy and transport rates to commodity prices and exchange rates. If something changes that could affect your delivery or costs, you’ll be the first to know.
- Tailored support: You won’t get generic updates from us. We provide advice tailored to your business and your product.
What Can You Do?
You don’t have to tackle this alone—but there are steps you can take:
- Work with a partner who spreads your risks: At Metalwire, we already do that for you—sourcing from the world’s leading regions.
- Plan smart: Especially for high-volume or long-lead-time products, timing is more important than ever. Talk to our specialists to find the right approach—whether it’s delivery windows, volume planning, or reading market trends.
- Review your stock: If you have space to hold a little extra, it gives you more flexibility when the market shifts. No (financial) room? We can hold stock for you—tailored to your needs.
- Stay informed: Want to stay up to date? We’re happy to share what we see happening.
Let’s talk – before challenges become problems
The world is changing—and the market is changing with it. But you don’t have to wait until things go wrong. At Metalwire, we prefer to think ahead. Want to know how we can support your business in this shifting landscape? Get in touch—we’re ready to find the right solutions together.
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