Donald Trump has announced steep tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium into the US will come into effect "in 15 days".
The president said a 25 per cent tax will apply to steel imports, and 10 per cent will be added to aluminium brought into the US.
Mr Trump said the excess of imported steel and aluminium was a "travesty" and hurts American workers and industry.
Making the long-awaited announcement on Thursday, the president said the industry had been "ravaged by aggressive foreign trade practices".
He said: "It's really an assault on our country."
Sources outside the White House said the tariffs will take effect in 15 days, with "real friends" Canada and Mexico indefinitely excluded from the duties.
Those briefed on the plans say all countries affected by the tariffs are being invited to negotiate for exemptions, if they can address the threat their exports pose to the US.
The US president tweeted earlier in the day: "We have to protect and build our steel and aluminum industries while at the same time showing great flexibility and cooperation toward those that are real friends and treat us fairly on both trade and the military."
Mr Trump faced global backlash after he said steel imports would face a 25 per cent tariff and aluminium 10 per cent.
Australia's trade minister Steven Ciobo said the tariffs would distort global trade and ultimately cost jobs.
"My concern remains that on the back of actions like this we could see retaliatory measures that are put in place by other major economies. That is in no-one's interest,” he said.
Toyota said the move would "adversely impact automakers, the automotive supplier community and consumers".
Additional reporting by the Press Association
