The European Union (EU) has retaliated against tariffs imposed by the United States on metal imports, and will impose a 25 per cent duty on €2.8 billion (S$4.4 billion) worth of US products, from Harley-Davidson motorcycles to Levi's jeans. The duties will take effect tomorrow.

The tit-for-tat move is expected to worsen an intensifying trade row between the US and its partners.

"We did not want to be in this position," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said yesterday.

"However, the unilateral and unjustified decision of the US to impose steel and aluminium tariffs on the EU means that we are left with no other choice."

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