Bush risks trade war with tariffs on steel

PRESIDENT BUSH risked provoking a trade war with Europe last night when he imposed tariffs of up to 30 per cent on steel imports despite a last-minute appeal by Tony Blair not to damage British interests.

The tariffs, ranging from eight per cent to 30 per cent, take effect on March 20 and cover flat-rolled steel and other steel product imports from Europe and around the world.

Mr Blair's spokesman said: "We recognise the US steel industry has to restructure, but we do not believe it is in the interests of the world economy that it should impose tariffs."