French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Monday that the European Union is prepared to respond to US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports.

Speaking on TF1Info, Barrot noted that this move mirrors Trump's 2018 trade measures, which prompted European countermeasures targeting products such as motorcycles, jeans, bourbon, and orange juice. He confirmed that the European Commission is ready to define the sectors for new retaliatory tariffs if necessary.

Emphasizing the importance of defending European interests, Barrot stressed that the EU must not hesitate in protecting its trade position. He warned that entering a trade conflict with the bloc serves no one's interests.