US President Donald Trump defends trade tariffs despite criticisms from allies

Even after endless criticisms from allies, United States President Donald Trump maintains a defensive stance towards his decision of imposing billions of dollars of tariffs on allies’ aluminium and steel exports.

Since May 31, when the US had announced 25 per cent additional tariff on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminium on the EU, Canada, and Mexico, the US had been facing tremendous backlashes from those countries.

The European Union and Canada both slapped heavy duties on the US’ exports in retaliation. While the EU imposed tariffs on American goods worth US$ 3 billion, the Canadian government announced duties on goods of C$16.6 billion.

Nonetheless, Trump and his administration have enough to defend their decisions.

According to the Hill, Trump and his administration explained that these tariffs were much needed looking at the growing trade deficits in the US, which serve as a proof that the country had been losing internationally for years.

Trump imposed heavy tariffs on aluminium and steel on the grounds of national security, while there are a few nations who had levied duties on China over the alleged theft of intellectual property and also considering taxes on imported automobiles.

Trump recently launched a scathing attack on the European Union, saying the "European Union is as bad as China" in its trade policies.

During a White House meet with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Trump hinted that if a trade deal works out with the EU, it will be positive and even if it does not, it will be positive too.

The Trump administration had slapped tariffs on many other countries, claiming that the US was being treated unfairly on trade.