PARIS: trade tensions between the European Union and the United States ran high Thursday as the clock was ticking for US steel and aluminium tariffs against European producers to kick in. The prospect of the metals tariffs taking effect on Friday caused mounting frustration in Europe, the single-largest source of US steel imports. Mr Le Maire warned that the EU would take "all necessary measures" if the US imposed the tariffs. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU would respond in a "firm and united" manner to the tariffs. And the sectors where Mr Trump has chosen to wage his battles are key to trade in the economic bloc.

Source: Bangkok Post May 31, 2018 13:47 UTC