European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during the Munich security conference Friday the European Union will respond if the United States imposes reciprocal tariffs.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds an executive order about tariffs increase, flanked by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

The European Union’s executive branch has vowed to “take firm and immediate action” against U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The EU has vowed to respond "firmly and immediately" to trade barriers after US President Donald Trump unveiled tariffs that could hit both allies and competitors.

The European Commission, which coordinates trade policy for the 27-nation European Union, described the proposed policy as a step in the wrong direction.

The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,” von der Leyen said in a statement in reaction to US President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum the previous day.

Defending a rules-based trading system based on low tariffs, the EU executive said reciprocal tariffs were unjustified and that it will react swiftly. View on euronews

The European Union hopes to avert a damaging trade war with the U.S. over impending metals tariffs by prioritising negotiations rather than retaliatory countermeasures, EU officials signalled on Wednesday.