GENEVA

The European Commission on Monday said that there is "no justification" behind the potential imposition of US tariffs on EU steel and aluminum, warning such a move would be "unlawful."

"The EU sees no justification for the imposition of tariffs on its exports. We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures," the commission said in a statement.

"In general: The imposition of tariffs would be unlawful and economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains the EU and US established through Transatlantic trade and investment," it said.

It underscored that by imposing tariffs, the US would be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for business, and fuelling inflation.

"Moreover, tariffs heighten economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets," it added.

The commission noted that it had not received any official notification regarding the imposition of additional tariffs on EU goods.