The United States trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, has announced that several American allies would initially be exempt from blanket steel and aluminum tariffs that are set to take effect soon. For now however, India is not on that short shortlist. 

Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, Mr. Lighthizer said that in addition to Canada and Mexico, the European Union, as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea would be exempted.

China however, is clearly in the White House's crosshairs. The tariffs, which the United States trade representative will publish within 15 days, will target 1,300 lines of Chinese goods, ranging from electronics and tech to clothing. President Trump has long used China as an argument to limit free trade in his speeches, blaming the country for job losses across US industries and for the theft of patents and technology.