President Trump is pushing through with his tariff agenda, unveiling a new batch of letters to country leaders outlining tariffs on goods imported from their countries beginning in August and a warning to BRICS nations.

The bloc’s trade commissioner says two sides were close to a deal before the president last week threatened to impose a 30 percent levy.

Italy's foreign minister warned that, while he hopes for successful negotiations, the EU will respond resolutely to Trump's latest tariff threat.