WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to double steel and aluminum tariffs, as Canadian officials say they’re still hoping for a good outcome from meetings in Washington.

In March, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the United States. Trump announced his intention to increase the duties to 50 per cent at a steel plant on Friday, and the order follows through on that promise. It takes effect just after midnight.

When asked whether there would be exemptions during Tuesday’s media briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “made that announcement in Pennsylvania and he plans to deliver on that promise to Pennsylvania.”

The increase doesn’t apply to imports from the United Kingdom, which remain at

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