First Thing: Trump tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum come into effect

Europe has said it will impose counter-tariffs on US goods. Plus, Ukraine agrees to 30-day ceasefire, placing onus on Russia to reciprocate

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Good morning.

Donald Trump's global tariffs on steel and aluminum imports came into force on Wednesday, placing a 25% tax on all imports of the metals into the US from any country with no exceptions or exemptions."

How are other global trading partner responding? The European Commission immediately said it would introduce counter-tariffs on $28bn-worth of US goods from April. Meanwhile, a movement to boycott US goods is picking up speed internationally.

When will the US speak to Russia? Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Moscow this week to propose the ceasefire to Putin, though it is unclear if the Russian president is ready to accept it.