Leaders from both economies had been trying to negotiate more favorable terms, only to have those efforts blown up by form letters.

President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened duties of 30% on products from Mexico and the European Union, two of America’s biggest trading partners, in an ongoing tariff campaign that’s upended global trade since he retook office in January.

The EU and Mexico criticise Donald Trump after he says he will impose 30% tariffs on their exports to the US. Also: why Nicaragua is replacing pavements with concrete, and the British habit of saying sorry.