In a proclamation issued on June 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced an increase to the existing steel and aluminum tariffs.

In effect as of June 4, 2025, both steel and aluminum tariffs now sit at 50% each for imports from all countries. The only exception is the U.K., which is subject to the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal of May 8, 2025. As such, the tariffs on British goods remain at 25% and may be reassessed after July 9, 2025.

“In my judgment, the increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the United States market and thereby undercut the competitiveness of the United States steel and aluminum industries,” Trump says in the proclamation. Although the previously imposed steel and aluminum tariffs have helped provide critical price support in the United States market, they have not yet enabled these industries to develop and maintain the rates of capacity production utilization that are necessary for the industries’ sustained health and for projected national defense needs.

“I have determined that increasing the previously imposed tariffs will provide greater support to these industries and reduce or eliminate the national security threat posed by imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles.”

Steel and aluminum tariffs were first imposed in 2018 at 25% and 10%, respectively, and affected many but not all countries. In February 2025, Trump announced that tariffs would affect all countries and raised the aluminum levy to 25%.

Since then, manufacturers and distributors of farrier tools, horseshoes and other supplies have begun announcing price increases to reflect the current economic situation.

In a May 6, 2025, letter, the Farrier Industry Association (FIA) updated its members on the expected impact of tariffs.

“Even U.S.-based manufacturers are experiencing increased expenses due to the higher cost of raw materials,” says Robert Michel, president of the FIA. “These increases range from 10% to 25%. While manufacturers and retailers are working diligently to negotiate and absorb as much of the added cost as possible, the full impact cannot be avoided. As a result, retail prices are expected to rise accordingly — amounting to an estimated $15 to $25 increase per full set of shoes for farriers.”

It’s unclear yet how manufacturers, distributors, farriers and customers will respond to the additional tariffs. Outside the farrier industry, leaders in the steel and aluminum industries have commented on the effectiveness of tariffs in strengthening U.S. manufacturing.

“While tariffs, used strategically, serve as a valuable tool in balancing the scales, it’s essential that we also pursue wider reforms of our global trading system,” international president of the United Steelworkers union David McCall said in a statement to the Associated Press (AP).

The Aluminum Association “appreciates President Trump’s continued focus on strengthening the U.S. aluminum industry,” says Matt Meenan, vice president of external affairs, to the AP, but notes that “tariffs alone will not increase U.S. primary aluminum production. We also need consistent, predictable trade and tariff policy to plan for current and future investment.”

In a previous poll, farriers were prepared to pass any price increases onto customers. Share your thoughts on recent tariff increases in the comments and check back for any additional updates.