(Updates with EMEA mid session hours)
* Trump metal tariffs kick in, Europe retaliates
* Gold up 11% so far this year
* US CPI due at 1230 GMT
March 12 (Reuters) - Gold prices were little changed on Wednesday, with the market's attention on a key U.S. inflation report due later in the day, while U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies provided support to the safe haven asset.
Spot gold was steady at $2,915.66 an ounce as of 1148 GMT, after rising 1% in the previous session. U.S. gold futures were flat at $2,921.20.
Investors are focused on the U.S. Consumer Price Index data, due at 1230 GMT, for clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate stance.
The Fed last year cut rates by 100 basis points, but has held steady since then. Traders are currently expecting the next cut in June.
In order "to see gold marching further up, we need to see a further slowdown of the U.S. economy, including lower price pressure," said independent analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
"The polices of the Trump administration such as tariffs keep financial markets volatile and support demand for safe haven assets."
Trump's increased tariffs on all U.S. steel and aluminum imports took effect on Wednesday, stepping up a campaign to reorder global trade in favor of the U.S. and drawing swift retaliation from Europe.
Bullion is seen as a safe asset amid economic and geopolitical turmoil. It also tends to thrive in a low interest rate environment as it yields no interest.
Gold hit a record high of $2,956.15 an ounce on February 24 amid Trump's tariffs and the resulting trade war. Since then, it has been hovering around the $2,900-mark.
"The consolidation in the gold price is a welcome pause after gains of 11% year to date and it confers strength in future gains by forming a strong technical and physical floor to the market," said Ross Norman, an independent analyst.
Spot silver added 0.3% to $33.04 an ounce, while platinum gained 0.8% at $982.95 and palladium rose by 0.4% to $949.18. (Reporting by Sarah Qureshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
