US tariffs of 50% for steel and aluminum take effect

The new 50% Trump administration tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from the rest of the world took effect at midnight local times.

The American president's trade struggle is expanding into a move that is expected to fuel tensions with the country's main economic partners.

Trump signed the executive order yesterday by increasing these rates from 25% to 50%, writes A2 CNN, broadcast Periscope.

The move increases metal import taxes, key inputs to everything, from cars to canned foods for the second time since March.

According to Trump, the measures, which take effect Wednesday, are intended to secure the future of the American steel industry.

However, critics say defences could cause chaos in steel producers outside the US, cause revenge from business partners, and come at a penalty cost for American metal users. /Periscope/