Massive US trade levies take effect

The United States began charging higher tariffs on dozens of trading partners yesterday, in a major escalation of President Donald Trump's drive to reshape global commerce in America's favor.

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Washington -

Shortly before the new levies kicked in, the US separately announced it would double tariffs on India to 50% and hit many semiconductor imports from around the world with a 100% levy.

As an executive order signed last week by Trump took effect, US duties rose from 10% to levels between 15% and 41% for a list of trading partners.

Many imports from economies including the European Union, Japan and South Korea now face a 15% tariff, even with deals struck with Washington to avert steeper threatened levies.