WASHINGTON – President Trump has amended his global tariff policy to exempt gold, tungsten, and uranium, according to a presidential order issued Friday. The changes were made on recommendations from U.S.officials and are deemed “necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency” initially declared when Trump imposed country-level tariffs in April.
The procedural shift empowers the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department to implement framework agreements with other nations – similar to deals Trump has already secured with the European Union, Japan, and South Korea – without requiring further executive orders from the president.
Maros Sefcovic,the EU’s trade chief,welcomed the move,stating on X that it “paves the way for car and parts tariffs to drop to 15% and secures key exemptions from the 15% cap.” The EU has been seeking to avoid increased U.S. tariffs on its auto sector, and while Friday’s order doesn’t offer immediate relief, it is viewed as a positive advancement.
Trump’s global tariffs are central to his broader effort to address trade imbalances he considers a threat to national security. Prior to increasing dozens of country-specific rates last month, the president negotiated agreements with several economies to lower rates in exchange for the removal of foreign trade barriers on American goods.
The tariffs and associated deals were rapidly implemented over several months, drawing concerns about potential disruptions to key markets and increased costs for goods not produced domestically.
reciprocal tariffs are also being lifted on a range of minerals, including critical materials used in aerospace, consumer electronics, medical devices, and other technologies. Pharmaceuticals, including pseudoephedrine, antibiotics, and other medications - currently under a separate Commerce Department trade examination – will also receive tariff relief. Additionally, the president is extending reciprocal tariffs to resin and aluminum hydroxide, alongside silicone products.
