Cargo containers in Lianyungang, Shandong province, China, January 13, 2025. Photo: Xinhua/VNA

China has filed a lawsuit via the World Trade Organization's (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism against the US over additional tariffs on Chinese goods, a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

At a press conference in Beijing, He Yadong said that on March 14, the US agreed to consultations under the mechanism and China will proceed with the subsequent procedures in accordance with WTO rules.

The spokesman emphasized China's firm stance, saying "The US imposition of additional tariffs on goods imported from China is a clear example of unilateralism and protectionism, which severely violates WTO rules.” He  added China is willing to have open dialogue with the US on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

On Thursday, the European Commission (EC) said the EU will prepare to respond to new US tariffs. “If necessary, we will deliver firm, proportionate robust, and well calibrated and timely response to unfair and counterproductive measures from the US,” Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said.

French Economy Minister Eric Lombard called the US tariffs on cars “very bad news”. He proposed that the EU raise tariffs on imported goods from the US to protect its economic interests. But he expressed his hope talks could begin as soon as possible with US officials to lower tariffs and warned that a trade war would not benefit anyone.

"We want to rebalance the playing field so that the Americans, too, are forced to negotiate with us to bring tariffs down," he said.

British Chancellor Rachel Reeves said, "We're not at the moment in a position where we want to do anything to escalate these trade wars”. "Trade wars are no good for anyone,” she added.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday wrote on his Truth Social platform, warning of even larger tariffs on EU and Canada if they work together to “cause economic harm to the US".