BRUSSELS, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union (EU) "will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures."
In a statement, von der Leyen said, "I deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports. Tariffs are taxes-bad for business, worse for consumers."
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that steel and aluminum imports would be subject to a 25-percent tariff upon entering the United States, regardless of their country of origin.
"Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered," von der Leyen said. "The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers." ■
