The dispute over U.S. President Donald Trump's new levies on steel and aluminum imports is driving a wedge in the G7 group of industrial nations. The G7 ministers urged U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to deliver their message before leaders of the group's member countries meet next week in Quebec. Ministers urged the U.S. to abandon the tariffs ahead of the leaders' summit before the move causes deeper divisions within the G7. The U.S. president has said the tariffs are needed to protect U.S. steel and aluminum industries vital to the nation's security. Le Maire said it is up to the U.S. to take action to rebuild confidence among G7 members and to avoid any escalation during the leaders' summit next week.

Source: ABC News June 02, 2018 20:26 UTC