The European Commission criticised the additional metal tariffs promised by American President, Donald Trump, in a press release on Monday.
The Commission stated it had not received an official notification and would "not respond to broad announcements without details or written clarification." However, it underscored that there is "no justification" for tariffs on its exports.
The response comes after Trump's Sunday announcement that he would introduce additional 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US, the latest escalation in Trump's trade battle.
"In general, the imposition of tariffs would be unlawful and economically counterproductive," the Commission stated "Tariffs heighten economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets."
Moreover, the Commission argued that additional tariffs would harm the American economy: "the US would be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for business, and fuelling inflation."
As Brussels awaits an official notification from the White House regarding additional tariffs, it maintains that it "will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures."
