Trump’s 50% steel tariffs hit the world but UK spared full blow

U.S. tariffs entered the spotlight once again in Europe on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% levy on steel and aluminum imports to the U.S. came into effect.

Announced last week and signed by Trump on Tuesday, the order doubles tariffs from 25% to 50% on all metals imports to the U.S., with the president stating that the move will protect the U.S. steel industry amid a flood of cheaper foreign steel imports and weaker global demand.

Canada and Mexico are the biggest exporters of steel to the U.S., with other major sources including Brazil and South Korea.