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.

President Donald Trump says China and the U.S. have agreed to more tariff talks amid trade standoff and concerns over rare earths.

Markets rose after the call on the notion that Trump would back down on the tariffs when they become too disruptive, but ended lower. “From an investor perspective in the short-term because there’s the view he will flip on his worst impulses,