EU 'strongly' regrets US plan to double steel tariffs

The 27-member bloc says Donald Trump's move undermines efforts to reach a deal, warning of "countermeasures".

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On Friday, the US president told a rally in the steel-making city of Pittsburgh that the tariffs would rise from 25% to 50%, claiming this would boost local industry and national supplies.

The European Commission told the BBC on Saturday that Trump's latest move on tariffs "undermines ongoing efforts" to reach a deal, warning about "countermeasures".

This also raises questions about the UK's zero tariff deal with the US on steel and aluminium which, although agreed, has not yet been signed.

UK steelmakers said the doubling of the tariffs is "yet another body blow" to the industry while a UK government spokesman said "we are engaging with the US on the implications of the latest tariff announcement and to provide clarity for industry".