The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, urged China on Tuesday to ensure a negotiated solution to problems caused by the sweeping import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The European Union is "preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail," Ursula von der Leyen said early on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 20% tariffs on the EU on Wednesday.

The European Union is “ready to negotiate” with the United States after President Trump issued sweeping tariffs last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference Monday.