The European Union's executive branch on Friday vowed to “take firm and immediate action" against U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum. The European Commission said in a statement that Trump’s proposed “reciprocal” trade policy goes “in the wrong direction.

The European Union said it would respond with "firm and proportionate countermeasures" after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, escalating fears of a trade war.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said unjustified tariffs would prompt "proportionate and decisive countermeasures", echoing her vow on Tuesday of a "firm and proportionate" response to Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.