European steel buyers and some manufacturers could benefit from 50% U.S. tariffs on the metal, but the potential for the eye-watering duty rate has rocked the already struggling industry. U.S. steel prices are set to climb further as a result of the higher tariff rate expected to come into effect this week,

The European Commission said on Saturday that Europe was prepared to retaliate against President Donald Trump's plan to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, raising the prospect of an escalating trade fight between two of the world's largest economic powers.

The EU has said it "strongly" regrets Donald Trump's surprise plan to double US tariffs on steel and aluminium in a move that risks throwing bilateral trade talks into chaos.