Paris, May 31 (IANS): French Finance Minister Bruno le Maire on Thursday told the US that European countries will take all necessary and firm measures if it imposes tariffs on steel and aluminum from the continent.

"It will be the responsibility of the US alone if they increase steel tariffs without any justification, as overcapacity in steel and aluminum does not come from Europe," Le Maire said after meeting US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross here.

The French Minister reiterated that US tariffs on European metals would be dangerous for global free trade, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I reminded the US Secretary of Trade this morning that we Europeans will respond with a united, appropriate and firm way," he stressed.

Despite opposition from business groups and trading partners around the world, US President Donald Trump in March decided to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminum.

He has granted the European Union a temporary exemption from these tariffs which will expire on Friday.

"It's entirely up to US authorities whether they want to enter into a trade conflict with their biggest partner, Europe," Le Maire said.

"We are open to negotiation, but we don't accept to negotiate under pressure," he added, expressing readiness to discuss with "American friends" on ways to rebuild multilateralism.