Trump’s 50% tariffs on imported steel, aluminum take effect

U.S. President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on most imported steel and aluminum went into effect on Wednesday, the same day as his deadline for trading partners to give their "best offer" in bids to avoid import tax rates on other goods from taking effect next month.

Late on Tuesday, Trump signed an executive proclamation to implement, starting Wednesday, his announcement last week to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that had been in place since March from 25% to 50%. The new tax went into effect at 12:01 a.m.

"We started at 25 and then after studying the data more, realized that it was a big help, but more help is needed. And so that is why the 50 is starting tomorrow," White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said at a steel industry conference on Tuesday.