The European Commission and the UK are launching negotiations with the US on lowering steel tariffs, with the original deadline of July 9 extended to August 1. However, on July 8, US President Trump announced that imports of copper, a key metal, would be subject to a new tariff rate of 50%. 

The EU and the UK governments hope to reach an agreement before August 1. Trump stated that negotiations with the EU were progressing smoothly. British steelmakers are anxiously awaiting to see if they can be exempt from the 50% tariff. 

In May this year, the US and the UK reached an agreement, which has already yielded results for the automotive and aerospace industries. 

As the second-largest steel export market for both the UK and the EU, the tariff change in the US has affected the interests of multiple parties, and the outcome of subsequent negotiations is drawing widespread attention.