The White House announced in a press release on Wednesday that it would impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the United States via Mexico.

President Joe Biden Accused The statement criticized “foreign manufacturers” who are shipping more steel products through Mexico to “avoid tariffs on steel products” imported into the U.S. Biden stressed that truly “Made in Mexico” products exported to the U.S. would be exempt from the 25% tariff.

The White House also Declared The 10% tariff will be imposed on aluminum “from all countries except Canada and Mexico.” The Biden administration specifically named Iran, China, Russia and Belarus as countries that are trying to avoid paying import taxes by shipping goods through Mexico to the United States. (Related: Biden opposes foreign takeover of U.S. steel)

White House National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard said the imposition of these tariffs on such products transiting through Mexico is consistent with the US-Mexico trade agreement, according to the Associated Press. reportBrainard reportedly cited Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the US to impose such measures in the name of national security.

Biden Administration to impose taxes on foreign steel, aluminum imports passing through Mexico https://t.co/DGuXi5PWTH

— Associated Press (@AP) July 10, 2024

“The president is taking steps to close loopholes left by his predecessor that allowed China to circumvent trade rules,” Brainard said, according to the Associated Press. The administration's tariffs are expected to have only a minor impact, the press agency noted. According to the report, the official said the U.S. will import 105,000 tonnes of aluminum from Mexico in 2023, of which only 6% is smelted or cast outside the country.

The officials similarly added that the U.S. will import 3.8 million tonnes of steel from Mexico in 2023, 13% of which will be cast or melted outside the border, according to the Associated Press.

The move comes after reports that Biden's approval rating has plummeted in opinion polls since his debate with Trump.

“Some Democrats will argue, 'It's still a close race,' while other Democrats will say, 'At the end of the day, Joe Biden is not leading in any of these polls,'” MSNBC national political reporter Steve Kornacki said Tuesday. “Joe Biden has lost support in most of these polls.”

Jon Favreau, President Barack Obama's former chief speechwriter, called Biden's performance in the debate an “absolute disaster.”

“I think it was the worst debate I've ever seen in my life,” he added.