Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum have taken effect, marking a new phase in the trade war between the United States and its major trading partners.
The US president had taxed steel and aluminum imports during his first term (2017-2021), but this new tax is intended to be "without exceptions," Trump assured during the announcement in early February.
A2 CNN writes that this prompted an immediate response from the European Union, which said it would impose counter-tariffs on billions of euros of American goods.
The European Commission has announced that it will apply "strong but proportionate" tariffs on a range of American products starting April 1, in response to the US's 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, A2 CNN reports.
"The European Union deeply regrets the measures imposed by President Donald Trump," Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.
Trump hopes the tariffs will boost US steel and aluminum production, but critics say it will raise prices for American consumers and hurt economic growth.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), a group representing U.S. steelmakers, welcomed the tariffs, saying they would create jobs and boost domestic steel production. (A2 Televizion)
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