In sheer economic terms, the steel tariff is not that big a deal.

Those other countries could also now seek to impose sanctions on American imports if the steel tariffs are not removed.

In addition to being bad economics, the steel tariffs are terrible diplomacy.

The steel tariffs went a long way to winning votes from lawmakers representing manufacturing states.

The immediate issue is the steel tariffs, and the White House remains divided over them.

White House officials say they do not need to make a decision on the steel tariffs right away.

The US government then removed the steel tariffs in early 2004.

But at the same time, Europe wants the steel tariff removed.

The typical steel tariff at the time was usually between zero and one percent, making the 8-30% rates seem exceptionally high.

President Bush's decision to impose steel tariffs is irrational.