Trump eyes rollback of 50% steel and aluminum tariffs amid affordability push

Reports emerged on February 13, 2026 that the Trump administration was considering rolling back the 50% steel and aluminum tariffs imposed under Section 232 in June 2025, citing affordability concerns. Officials at the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative's office said the tariffs were raising prices for consumer goods including pie tins and food-and-drink cans. The White House denied the reports as baseless speculation and said no final decision had been made, even as the Financial Times and Bloomberg reported active internal review.