“These suspensions are based on factors including ongoing discussions regarding measures to reduce global excess capacity in steel and aluminium production by addressing its root causes, the White House said in a late night statement.

In a proclamation, Trump said the tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the six countries and European Union are suspended until May 1, 2018, pending discussions of satisfactory long-term alternative means to address the threatened impairment to US national security.

By May 1, the President will decide whether to continue to exempt these countries from the tariffs, based on the status of the discussions.

The European Union will negotiate on behalf of its member countries, the White House said.