Washington: US President Donald Trump signed separate executive orders on Monday imposing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. "It's a big deal. This is the beginning of making America rich again," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "It's 25% without exceptions or exemptions, and that's all countries, no matter where it comes from, all countries," he said, emphasizing that if the products are made in the US, they will not be subjected to these tariffs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump is also considering imposing tariffs on cars, semiconductor chips, and pharmaceuticals, indicating a broader scope of tariff measures. He emphasized the importance of reciprocal trade practices, stating, "We want tariffs to be fair. If they charge us, we charge them. Reciprocal."

Trump mentioned that Australia's request for an exemption from the steel tariffs would be given "great consideration." He noted that the US has a trade surplus with Australia, partly due to their significant purchases of airplanes. "They are rather far away, and they need lots of airplanes, and we actually have a surplus," he explained.

When asked about potential retaliatory actions from other countries, Trump expressed his indifference to such moves. "If they raise it a little bit, then we raise it automatically. So I don't think it helps for them to retaliate," he remarked, underscoring his administration's stance on maintaining a firm approach to trade disputes.