The European Union plans to retaliate against the United States for new steel and aluminum tariffs, adding another element to rising global trade tensions. "Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered—they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures,

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.

The president’s plan to impose 25 percent tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum could protect U.S. suppliers, while increasing costs for others.