The United States is preparing to reintroduce 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, former President Donald Trump announced on Sunday. This marks a return to his previous strategy of using trade levies to protect American industries from what he views as unfair competition.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that the tariffs, expected to be formally announced Monday, will apply to "any steel coming into the United States," including aluminum imports.

During his previous term from 2017 to 2021, Trump enforced similar trade measures, arguing that they were necessary to shield U.S. manufacturers from competitive pressures, particularly from Asian and European producers.

Canada, the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the U.S., is likely to be among the hardest hit. Other key suppliers, including Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea, may also face economic repercussions.

Trump hinted at the introduction of "reciprocal tariffs" designed to match the rates imposed by other nations on U.S. products. "Every country will be reciprocal," he remarked, promising further details by midweek.

Despite pausing tariffs for a month on imports from Canada and Mexico, Trump has already enforced levies on $525 billion worth of Chinese goods. Beijing retaliated with tariffs on $14 billion worth of U.S. products, including coal and liquefied natural gas.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a CNN interview, voiced his opposition to Trump's trade threats, warning of potential inflationary pressures for American consumers. "These tariffs will increase costs in the U.S.," Macron said, urging Washington to focus its trade measures on China instead of Europe.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who recently met with Trump, was warned that Japan could face tariffs unless it significantly reduces its trade surplus with the United States.

The U.S. trade deficit, which soared to nearly $920 billion last year, remains a key concern for Trump, who reiterated his commitment to ushering in a "new golden age" for the American economy.

While Trump claims the tariffs will primarily impact foreign exporters, economists warn that U.S. consumers could ultimately bear the burden through higher prices. Even Trump acknowledged the potential "pain" for Americans but defended the tariffs as a necessary tool to advance U.S. interests.