The European Union hopes to avert a damaging trade war with the U.S. over impending metals tariffs by prioritising negotiations rather than retaliatory countermeasures, EU officials signalled on Wednesday.

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.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will impose "firm and proportionate countermeasures" on U.S. imports.