WASHINGTON — U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports doubled on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump continued to ratchet up levies on foreign metals that he claims will help revitalize American steel mills and aluminum smelters.

The White House called the increased tariffs, which rose to 50% from 25% just after midnight Eastern time, a matter of addressing “trade practices that undermine national security.” They were announced during Trump’s visit to a U.S. Steel mill last week, and appear to be aimed at currying favor with steelworkers and the steel industry, including those in swing states like Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is based.

The higher levies have already rankled close allies that sell metal to the United States, including Canada and Europe. They have also sent alarms to

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