Global trade war escalates as US tariffs on steel, aluminum imports launch
Al Jazeera
US duties on steel and aluminium draw swift retaliation from major trading partners.
Tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States have come into effect, intensifying the global trade war sparked by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s tariffs on metals imports took effect on Wednesday, levying a 25 percent duty “with no exceptions or exemptions”. Trading partners were quick to express objections, with some swiftly announcing retaliation.
The tariffs came into play as exemptions, duty-free quotas and product exclusions expired. In addition, the duty on aluminium was raised from 10 percent.
Separate tariffs have been levied on Canada, Mexico and China, with plans to tax imports from the European Union, Brazil and South Korea also by charging “reciprocal” rates starting on April 2.
Trump has claimed that the taxes will help the US metals sector and create jobs. However, his seesawing tariff threats are jolting markets, raising fears of an economic slowdown, and threatening to raise prices for consumers.
US adds five Arab and African countries to travel ban list as right-wing politicians intensify Islamophobic rhetoric.
Advocacy group urges sanctions on Israel after Canadian delegation, including six lawmakers, turned back to Jordan.
White House’s Susie wiles appears to contradict the official narrative portraying the attacks as an antidrug campaign.
Bangkok says Phnom Penh must be first to declare a ceasefire and cooperate ‘sincerely’ on demining the border.
Rwanda-backed rebels say they will withdraw from eastern town they seized last week after request by US mediators.
Rights groups say demolition order, which will affect 100 Palestinian homes, is an attempt to ‘cage in’ Palestinians.
The decision comes amid mounting international pressure over the humanitarian toll of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
The president-elect has vowed to tackle crime and tighten immigration policies.
Gaza’s residents face deadly winter storms as weakened, bombed-out homes collapse.
High-level talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine gain momentum as two countries exchange drone attacks.
Both sides accuse each other of violations jeopardising the US-brokered peace plan.
Kast’s victory is seen as part of a trend of right-wing victories across Latin America, including in Argentina.
The Ukrainian president says Kyiv could drop its long-held ambition of joining NATO in exchange for security guarantees.