EU takes tit-for-tat steps against tariffs

Von der Leyen says countermeasures are strong as US levies come into effect

The European Union struck back against US tariffs on the bloc's steel and aluminum imports by announcing countermeasures on Wednesday.

The European Commission said it regrets the US decision to impose the steel and aluminum tariffs. The announcement came right after US President Donald Trump's 25 percent tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, which was announced on Feb 10, took effect on Wednesday morning.

"We deeply regret this measure. Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers. These tariffs are disrupting supply chains. They bring uncertainty to the economy. Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.