The increase in U.S. metals tariffs applies to all trading partners except Britain, the only country so far to strike a preliminary trade agreement with America during a 90-day pause on a wider array of Trump tariffs.

The European Union and the US are headed in the “right direction” in trade talks, though new American levies on steel and aluminum imports aren’t helpful if both sides want to maintain momentum, Maros Sefcovic said after meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

President Trump signed an order Tuesday doubling tariffs to 50% on steel and aluminum imports — drawing swift criticism from officials in neighboring Canada and Mexico. Why it matters: Trump's order said the increased tariffs that took effect early Wednesday "will more effectively counter" countries that "offload low-priced,