Mexico, Canada and the European Union on Tuesday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports next month, a move that has fanned fears of a trade war as business and political leaders braced for yet more trade duty announcements from the new administration.

The president’s threats to slap duties on goods imported from the European Union are part of a pattern of directing the harshest penalties at the United States’ closest allies.

European Union trade ministers will hold an unscheduled video conference on Wednesday to discuss the bloc's response to impending U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, EU diplomats said on Tuesday. 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.