The European Union, EU, on Sunday lambasted the sweeping tariffs of U.S. President, Donald Trump on Canada, Mexico, and China, saying it would hit back firmly if targeted.
Brussels had before now indicated that it hoped to avoid a trade conflict with Trump through negotiation.
However, on Friday the US leader doubled down by saying he planned to target the EU in future, as he slapped levies on his north American neighbours and China.
“The European Union regrets the US decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
“Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides,” an European Commission spokesman said.
According to the spokesman, the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods.
“At this time, we are not aware of any additional tariffs being imposed on EU products,” he added.
He expressed the commitment of the 27-nation bloc to low tariffs as a way to drive growth and economic stability within a strong, rules-based trading system.
The spokesman also reiterated the EU’s commitment to its trade and investment relationship with the United States, the biggest in the world.
