French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned that the European Union will respond in kind to any tariffs imposed by the United States, cautioning Washington against igniting a trade war.

“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” Barrot stated in an interview with TF1 on Monday, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington will impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium products this week.

When asked whether France and the EU would retaliate, Barrot responded, “Of course. It’s not a surprise. This is exactly what Donald Trump did in 2018 during his first term. At that time, we responded in kind, and we will do so again.”

Barrot noted that the European Commission would determine which sectors would be targeted in the EU’s countermeasures.

“No one has an interest in entering into a trade war with the European Union,” he warned.

The tariffs on steel and aluminium imports are the latest in a series of trade levies introduced by the US president, fueling concerns over a potential global trade conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to CNN, emphasized that the EU should not be a primary concern for the US, urging Washington to focus on China instead.

“Is the European Union your first problem? No, I don’t think so. Your first problem is China, so you should focus on that,” Macron stated, adding that the EU must be prepared to respond to US actions.