If the tariffs are confirmed, “Europeans will respond and therefore there will be reciprocal tariffs. Because we must protect ourselves, defend ourselves,” Macron said in Porto during a state visit to Portugal.

“We must not be weak in the face of these measures,” he said alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.

“Of course, Europe will have to react to the tariffs, at the same or similar level,” Montenegro said, adding that “it would make no sense not to do the same”.

Trump vowed on Wednesday to hit the EU with 25% tariffs – the same level set to apply to imports from Canada and Mexico starting next week, while China faces a 10% added tariff.

He said the new tariffs would hit products including cars, adding that the EU has “really taken advantage of us”, further fuelling tensions between Washington and its European allies.

“If in early April, as has been announced, tariffs are imposed on European products at this level, Europeans will have to respond,” Macron said.