The United States doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Wednesday, activating a hike in the duties on the imported metals to 50% from the 25% rate introduced in March. The day also marks the Trump administration’s deadline for trading partners to submit their “best offers” to avoid further steep import duties set to take effect in early July.

The Trump administration has said this latest tariff move will help secure the US steel industry and curb foreign countries from flooding the US market with low-cost metals. DW has the latest.

The Trump administration’s global trade agenda is under renewed pressure as talks with China and the EU falter, according to Bloomberg. Tensions between the U.S. and China escalated after Beijing accused Washington of violating a recent tariff truce and warned of potential retaliation.