Trump tariffs live updates: EU retaliates after Trump tariffs on steel and aluminium take effect

In a significant turn of economic events, the European Union has responded to the United States' recent imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum. The U.S., under the administration of then-President Donald Trump, raised a flat duty on both metals entering the country to 25%, effectively terminating all country exemptions to these levies. This move has escalated tensions between the U.S. and its major trade partners, including the European Union, which has retaliated against these tariffs. The tariffs introduced by the U.S. were justified on the grounds of national security, a rationale that has been met with skepticism and opposition from affected countries. These measures have sparked a heated debate on the global stage regarding fair trade practices, protectionism, and the potential for a trade war that could have wide-ranging implications for the global economy. The European Union, in response, has taken firm steps to counteract the impact of the U.S. tariffs on its member countries. The measures include the implementation of retaliatory tariffs on a variety of U.S. goods. This tit-for-tat approach has raised concerns about increasing trade barriers and the possibility of further escalation into a full-blown trade conflict. Both the U.S. tariffs and the EU's retaliatory measures have far-reaching implications for international trade, affecting not only the industries directly involved but also consumers and workers on both sides of the Atlantic. The increased cost of importing steel and aluminum into the U.S. could lead to higher production costs for American manufacturers, potentially translating into higher