News

US doubles steel, aluminium tariffs as trading partners respond

US doubles tariffs on steel and aluminium imports as trading partners face deadline for ‘best offers’ to avoid more levies.

Published

4 months ago

June 4, 2025

ticker NEWS

US doubles tariffs on steel and aluminium imports as trading partners face deadline for ‘best offers’ to avoid more levies.

In Short:
The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, affecting global trade and prompting European businesses and officials to seek action against these measures. While the UK is exempt from the new tariffs until July 9, increased costs are disrupting markets and prompting negotiations from countries like Canada and Mexico.

Washington has doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 50%, effective immediately. This change coincides with the deadline for trading partners to submit their “best offers” to avoid additional tariffs.

European businesses urged the European Commission to act against these tariffs.

Maros Sefcovic of the EU had a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer but provided no specifics on the discussions.

President Trump’s administration highlighted the need for increased tariffs after recognising the necessity for more significant support for the domestic steel industry.

The new tariffs apply to all partners except for the UK, which maintains a rate of 25% until at least July 9.

Aluminium market

Increased tariffs have significantly impacted the aluminium market, with prices spiking recently.

The deadline also prompts countries to propose terms that may prevent heavier tariffs from being enacted in the coming weeks.

Currently, uncertainty around U.S. trade policy is causing disruptions for global businesses, particularly in Europe.

Major companies have reported scaling back plans due to the uncertain tariff landscape.

The U.S. heavily relies on steel imports, particularly from Canada and Mexico, which will likely face the brunt of these increased tariffs.

News

Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

10 hours ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.