European Union promises swift and firm response after Trump announces tariffs

(Patria) - The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it would "react firmly and immediately to unjustified barriers to free and fair trade" after United States President Donald Trump said he would soon impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from the European Union, Reuters reported.

"The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified obstacles to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies," said a Commission spokesperson in response to a request for comment on Trump's remarks.

"The EU will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Asked if he had decided on a tariff rate for goods from the European Union, Trump replied:

"We have made a decision and we will announce it very soon, and it will be 25 percent, generally speaking, and it will be on cars and everything else."

He also stated that the European Union was formed "to rip off the United States".

In response to that remark, the Commission spokesperson said: "The European Union is the largest free market in the world. And it has been a boon for the United States."

The spokesperson said that by creating a large and integrated single market, "the EU has facilitated trade, reduced costs for American exporters, and harmonized standards and regulations across 27 countries".

"As a result, US investments in Europe are highly profitable," the spokesperson added.

"Europe stands for dialogue, openness, and reciprocity. We are ready for partnership if you play by the rules. But we will also protect our consumers and companies at every step. They expect nothing less from us."