The South American four-nation trade bloc Mercosur began a tense meeting on Wednesday reeling from US steel and aluminium tariffs and a spat between its two biggest members. Foreign ministers of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay opened the two-day meeting in the southern Brazilian town of Bento Goncalves, paving the way for a head of state summit on Thursday.
The European Union, Mexico and Canada have said they will retaliate against the US if the White House places new tariffs on foreign cars and vehicle parts. The countries delivered the warning on Thursday to a panel examining whether to recommend the taxes on grounds of national security.
Prime Minister Theresa May has paid tribute to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's leadership after a G7 summit which she described as difficult. President Donald Trump attacked America's closest allies in tweets after leaving the meeting in Canada. He said Mr Trudeau was very dishonest and weak and acts hurt when called out.
Major Asian nations reacted sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Friday, warning of damage to relations amid industry calls for retaliation.