In a significant move that has stirred global trade tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminum imports. This decision, aimed at protecting American manufacturers, has prompted immediate retaliation from key U.S. allies such as Canada and the European Union.

Why Were the Tariffs Imposed?

The Trump administration justified the tariffs as a necessary step to safeguard the domestic steel and aluminum industries. The move was framed as a national security measure, emphasizing the need to reduce America’s reliance on foreign metal imports. Trump argued that unchecked imports were hurting U.S. manufacturers and threatening jobs within the industry.

Immediate Global Reactions

Canada and the European Union swiftly condemned the decision, describing it as unfair and harmful to international trade relations. Both announced countermeasures targeting American products in response to the tariffs.

• Canada’s Response: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the tariffs “unacceptable” and unveiled retaliatory tariffs on American steel, aluminum, and other key products.
• European Union’s Action: The EU took similar steps, introducing tariffs on iconic American goods like motorcycles, bourbon, and jeans to counterbalance the economic impact.

Impact on Global Trade

These retaliatory measures have heightened concerns about an escalating trade war, potentially disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for consumers worldwide. Analysts predict that industries relying heavily on steel and aluminum, such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, may face increased expenses as a result.

Potential Consequences for the U.S. Economy

While Trump defended the tariffs as a way to prioritize American jobs, critics argue that the move could backfire, with higher material costs affecting U.S. businesses and consumers alike. Additionally, strained relationships with trade partners may pose challenges for future negotiations.

LONDON: The captain of a cargo ship that collided with a US tanker is a Russian national who remains in UK police custody, the vessel’s owner said Wednesday.

The 59-year-old man, who hasn’t been named by authorities, was arrested by police in northeast England Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence over the collision. He hasn’t been charged.

Shipping company Ernst Russ, which owns the Portugal-flagged cargo vessel Solong, said that the ship’s 14 crew were a mix of Russian and Filipino nationals.
The cargo ship collided Monday with a tanker transporting jet fuel for the US military in the North Sea off eastern England on Monday, setting both vessels ablaze. One sailor from the Solong was presumed dead in the collision, which sparked fears of significant environmental damage.
UK authorities say they don’t suspect foul play.

In a tragic Bus Overturn in South Africa’s Johannesburg at least 12 people were killed and 45 others injured a highway near Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport early Tuesday.
According to the news agency AP, the accident occurred when a bus was carrying passengers from the township of Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.
The impact of the crash caused passengers to be thrown out of the vehicle, leaving many lying across the road.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and worked to lift the bus back onto its wheels to check if any victims were trapped underneath, said William Nthladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Management.
“On arrival, we found patients lying across the road,” Nthladi said.
The cause of the crash remains unclear and no other vehicles were involved. Police are treating the site as a crime scene due to the fatalities, and an investigation is underway.
A survivor told Newzroom Afrika that the bus appeared to have been speeding before it overturned. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether speed played a role in the crash.
Ekurhuleni transport official Andile Mngwevu called the accident “a disaster,” saying, “We are lost for words.”
Despite having well-developed roads, South Africa has one of the highest rates of traffic-related deaths, often attributed to reckless driving, speeding, unroadworthy vehicles and failure to use seat belts.
Just a day before this incident, four schoolchildren were killed and five others injured in a collision in Ekurhuleni, as per AFP.
Last week, at least nine people, including a four-year-old child, lost their lives when a bus crashed into a ditch in KwaZulu-Natal province. The 82-seater bus had been transporting churchgoers home.