Hello from CNN, I'm Joe Beck, with the five things you need to know for Wednesday, March 12th.

The European Union has immediately responded to President Donald Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs.

Within hours of the 25% duties coming into effect, the EU announced their own levies on up to $28 billion worth

of American goods.

These are the first worldwide tariffs Trump has imposed in his second term, and he says it'll

encourage more U.S. manufacturing and jobs.

But economists say trade wars could ultimately hurt consumers.

The EU described the tariffs as unjustified, saying its own duties on U.S. goods will come into

force in April, and will include boats, bourbon and motorbikes. Australia's Prime Minister

also spoke out against them, but said he wouldn't be retaliating.

Tariffs and escalating trade tensions are a form of economic self-harm, and a recipe for

slower growth and higher inflation.

This comes in a week of uncertainty on Wall Street, as Trump spooked investors by refusing to rule out a recession in the wake of

his tariffs. And a new CNN poll shows Americans aren't impressed with how Trump's handling

the economy. Fifty-six percent of the public does not approve of Trump's actions on the top

issue. That's worse than at any point during his first

term, and the number is even higher if you look specifically at tariffs. But he's rating

a lot better with other key priorities. Take immigration, where Trump's stricter enforcement

has the approval of 51% of people. Overall, Trump's job approval rating stands at 45%, which matches his

highest level for his first term. The UN says armed groups in Syria have killed entire families,

including women and children. According to a war monitor, more than 800 people were killed last week, in clashes between

groups loyal to the former ruler Bashar al-Assad and forces loyal to the new regime.

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