The European Commission responded to Trump's announcement in a written statement, saying it remains ready to reach an agreement, while also taking "necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.

The EU is prepared to take the necessary steps to safeguard its interests if the U.S. proceeds with imposing a 30% tariff on European goods starting Aug 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday.

The EU remains hopeful it will strike a deal to avoid steep levies Trump has threatened on its exports to the US.

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors awaited tariff news between the U.S. and European Union on Friday that could add a potentially volatile development to the end of a week in which President Donald Trump reignited his global trade war.