The European Commission is investigating whether to tighten its current system of quotas on steel imports to protect EU producers from new tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump plans to impose on incoming steel and aluminium on March 12.

The European Union has vowed to take firm and proportionate countermeasures in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.

Hoping to head off a potential trade conflict, a top European Union official stressed the importance of active engagement and fairness in trade during a four-hour meeting with Trump administration officials.

U.S. tariffs could cause the prices of steel and aluminum cans to rise, an increase that may ultimately be passed on to consumers.

The unjustified tariffs on the EU would trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures, Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

The European Union plans to safeguard its economic interests by imposing countermeasures in response to the U.S. tariffs, according to EU officials.