As a result of President Donald Trump's tariff policies, U.S. steel production has surpassed Japan's steel production for the first time in 26 years.

In 2025, U.S. steel production overtook Japan's to become the third-largest producer globally. This marks the first time since 1999 that the United States has produced more steel than Japan.

Secretary of Commerce Samuel Rutnik revealed this fact at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, the 29th, stating, "This is entirely thanks to your taxes (tariffs)," to which the ministers responded with applause.

According to the World Steel Association, U.S. crude steel production in 2025 increased by 3.1% to 82 million tons, showing growth for the first time in two years, Nikkei Asia reported. The publication analyzed that "this increase is largely attributable to the tariff policies of the Trump administration."

Indeed, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum products last year. Subsequently, the tariff rate was doubled to 50%, which helped to significantly boost U.S. steel production.

Leon Topalian, CEO of steel producer Nucor, stated in a recent earnings call that Trump's tariffs are not harming American manufacturing and are, in fact, a bright spot in the U.S. economy.

"Considering this demand and the robustness of the economy, I believe 2026 will be a very solid year for Nucor," Topalian said.

U.S. NNP=Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com