Mexico, Canada and the European Union on Tuesday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports next month, a move that has fanned fears of a trade war as business and political leaders braced for yet more trade duty announcements from the new administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed proclamations late on Monday to raise tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to 25% without exceptions or exemptions. A White House official confirmed that the measures would take effect on March 4.

The EU says it will respond to US President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports with countermeasures. “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures ,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.