President Trump has doubled the rate on foreign metals to 50%, saying the levies weren’t high enough to help the U.S. industry.

Mr. Epstein, the late financier and sex offender, started by putting $40 million into Valar Ventures, a firm backed by Mr. Thiel. Today that investment is worth about $170 million.

Despite an exemption from 50 percent tariffs, Britain still has to pay a 25 percent duty because its trade deal with the United States has yet to be put in place.

Drivers in the country, Europe’s largest car market, are avoiding vehicles from Tesla, which has seen a drop in sales in other countries as well.

Police, customs officials and spies are reinforcing China’s embargo on the critical minerals that it overwhelmingly controls.

Even the president appears to be doubting his strategy to win over Beijing, as relations fray between the trading partners.