BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive branch vowed Friday to “take firm and immediate action” against U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The European Commission said in a statement that Trump’s proposed “reciprocal” trade policy goes “in the wrong direction.”

“The EU will take firm and immediate action against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legitimate and nondiscriminatory policies,” the commission said. “The EU will always protect European businesses, workers and consumers.”

The commission said the EU has some of the lowest tariffs in the world and sees no justification for increased U.S. tariffs on its exports. — Associated Press