In short:

Australia’s efforts to secure an exemption from US tariffs on aluminium and steel have failed, the White House has confirmed on the eve of the tariffs taking effect.

The Australian government says it’s still lobbying for a last-minute reprieve.

What’s next?

The tariffs are due to take effect at 3pm Wednesday, AEDT. The Trump administration is developing plans for further tariffs under its “America First” trade policy.