TMTPOST -- The European Union is vowing retaliation against U.S. extra tariffs on some metal goods.

Credit：Xinhua News Agency

“Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered—they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures,” warned European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement on Tuesday, referring to the latest U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum.

Von der Leyen expressed her deeply regret for the U.S. decision. “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. “We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,” said the German politician.

The EU will respond "firmly and proportionately" to the tariffs imposed by the United States, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic spoke with members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg on Tuesday. "In our opinion the tariffs are unjustified, because they will lead to an increase in prices and inflation," Sefcovic said. Describing the move as a "lose-lose scenario," he warned that the tariffs were "economically counterproductive."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed EU's stance on countermeasures. "If the U.S. leaves us no other choice, the EU will respond with a united position," he said in a speech to the Bundestag on Tuesday. Scholz cautioned against escalating tensions. "I hope we can avoid the misguided path of tariffs and counter-tariffs, as trade wars ultimately come at the expense of prosperity on both sides," he added. He also warned that U.S. tariffs could soon extend beyond steel and aluminum, posing a particular threat to Germany as Europe's largest exporting economy.

Poland is preparing for the potential impact of the U.S. tariffs, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday. "It is worth doing everything to avoid unnecessary trade and customs wars, because this brings negative consequences for producers and consumers," Tusk said before a government meeting.

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek told local media Tuesday that Europe needs to act in unison against the U.S. tariffs. Given the size of the EU's trade with America, a tariff war would not help anyone, he said.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a post on social media Monday evening that the imposition of high customs tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe is a manifestation of Trump's distrust in the power of the EU, which he disrespects.

U.S. president Donald Trump signed late Monday two proclamation to levy 25% tariffs on all stell and aluminum imports into the United States from March 12. All imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, EU countries, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom shall be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem rate of duty, according to a proclamation released by White House on Monday. imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU countries, and the UK shall be subject to revised 25% tariffs, per another proclamation released on Tuesday.

"This is a big deal. This is the beginning of making America rich again," Trump said when signing the proclamations in the Oval Office. "It's time for our great industries to come back to America." The president added that there will be no exceptions for these tariffs.

In an op-ed for Fox Business on Tuesday, Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro proclaimed that the newly announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports will lead to a “golden age” of employment in the steel and aluminum production industries. Navarro said these industries are not just pillars of the domestic economy but foundational to national security. Navarro argued on Tuesday that foreign countries have flooded the U.S. market with subsidized metals, undermining American industry and national security.