The statement comes with the US Commerce Department about to issue a decision on whether auto imports endanger US national security enough to justify import taxes, giving Trump 90 days to decide whether to impose such taxes. European Union spokesman Margaritis Schinas said that if the US goes ahead with actions detrimental to European exports, the European Commission will react in a swift and adequate manner.

The development could revive trade tensions between the US and the EU which have eased since last July when President Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed not to impose any tariffs on imported goods during negotiations.