The United States doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Wednesday, activating a hike in the duties on the imported metals to 50% from the 25% rate introduced in March. The day also marks the Trump administration’s deadline for trading partners to submit their “best offers” to avoid further steep import duties set to take effect in early July.

U.S. stocks were mixed at midday after opening lower following President Trump's announced plans to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

President Donald Trump is using his love of tariffs to threaten high-profile American companies. Over the past month, Trump has said he’d like to target two specific and very different companies — Apple and Mattel — with tariffs aimed at their key products over comments by their CEOs.