European Union urged to respond firmly as Trump's tariff threat sparks outrage

US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of sweeping 30 per cent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports has provoked a fierce backlash across the bloc, with officials and industry leaders demanding a strong and united response amid continued trade talks.

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The proposed tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, target EU imports and were justified by Trump as a correction of a "far from reciprocal” trade relations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Saturday that the tariffs would "disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”

While emphasising the EU's continued commitment to a negotiated solution, she said the bloc "will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

European lawmakers and national leaders voiced growing frustration, with many urging immediate retaliatory steps, Xinhua news agency reported.