Washington, United States (AFP)– US President Donald Trump plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Monday, prompting the threat of retaliation from Europe and a warning from China that there were no winners in a trade war.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Sunday that the tariffs — which he will announce later Monday — will apply to “any steel coming into the United States,” adding this will also affect aluminum.

Trump imposed similar tariffs during his 2017-2021 presidency to protect US industries, which he believed faced unfair competition from Asian and European countries.

While the European Commission said Monday it had not received any official notification of the tariffs, French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the European Union will counter in kind and “replicate” any imposed.

“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” he said during an interview with broadcaster TF1.

“We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures,” the European Commission said in a statement.

Canada — which Trump has already threatened with tariffs — is the largest source of steel and aluminum imports to the United States, according to US trade data. Brazil, Mexico and South Korea are also major steel providers.