Several U.S. trading partners, including the European Union (EU), Canada and Vietnam, have voiced strong criticism and opposition to Washington's decision to raise tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25 percent to 50 percent starting from Wednesday, warning of potential disruptions to global trade.
The European Steel Association (EUROFER) warned on Wednesday that the U.S. move could destabilize markets, noting that the tariff increase might divert 27 million metric tons of steel originally destined for the U.S. to European markets.
EUROFER highlighted that tariff hikes come amid record-high global overcapacity, with import penetration in the EU already at 30 percent, making the region vulnerable to an influx of foreign steel.
Without immediate action, the European steel industry will risk being overwhelmed, the association cautioned.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday that Ottawa is engaged in "deep discussions" with Washington to reverse the "unjustified and illegal" steel and aluminum tariff hikes, adding that the U.S. measures lack any legal or justified basis.
On the same day, Canada's Ontario Premier Doug Ford renewed his call for the Canadian federal government to intensify countermeasures, proposing a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. steel imports.
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed on Thursday that it had submitted a response to U.S. trade demands, though it did not disclose specifics.
According to a statement released by the ministry, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday in Paris. During the meeting, the two sides talked about preparations for the third round of bilateral trade talks that are scheduled before next weekend.
U.S. trading partners condemn steel, aluminum tariff hikes
Some Iranians in Türkiye are crossing back over the border, driven by worry and desperation, as a nationwide communications blackout in Iran has left them cut off from their loved ones.
Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.
At the Turkish-Iranian border, many are returning with no certainty about what awaits them, filled instead with questions and growing fear for those on the other side of the border.
"I went to Van yesterday for internet. I urgently needed to use the internet. I got it done. Now I'm heading straight back. There are protests everywhere. We can't get any news. We can't communicate with our families. And it's not just me, there are many Iranians outside the country who can't reach their families," said Feriste, an Iranian citizen.
With communications blacked out across Iran, those outside the country feel powerless to check on the situation back home. For some, this silence has prompted them to return across the border, even as tensions continue to rise.
"We can't get any news. There is no internet. Everything is shut down. I want to search. I want to find out. I want to see my brother. I'm going to see my family," said Husnu, an Iranian citizen.
"I work in Türkiye, and I have no news from Iran at all. I'm going back because I'm worried about my family. It's been days since I last heard from them, and because I'm worried, I'm returning to Iran now. Of course, we are concerned about our safety. We don't know what awaits us there," said another Iranian.
With protests escalating and government blackouts still in place, many Iranians are caught between staying in safety abroad and risking everything to reconnect with their families.
"We had to come to Türkiye because we couldn't reach our families. Schools were closed already. All official institutions were shut down. We have no information about other cities either, because there is no communication network there. There is no television, no internet. We can't even check Twitter," said Nazlican, another Iranian citizen.
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
