BRUSSELS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Saturday sharply criticized the United States' decision to raise tariffs on steel imports from 25 percent to 50 percent, warning that the move could prompt swift European retaliation.
"We strongly regret the announced increase," a Commission spokesperson said in an emailed statement, stating that the decision "adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic."
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that he plans to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that the new rate would take effect on June 4. ■