WASHINGTON — The European Union will respond "firmly and swiftly" to protect its interests if Washington imposes tariffs on the bloc's goods, its trade chief said on Wednesday, rejecting US President Donald Trump's claim that US-EU trade ties are unfair.

"It is the very definition of a win-win partnership, and there is nothing unfair about it," said Maros Sefcovic, European commissioner for trade and economic security, as Europe girds for heightened tariff tensions with the United States.

However, he signaled the EU's willingness for dealmaking — such as the possibility of reducing or eliminating tariffs on autos and other products.

"If we are going to talk about lowering the tariffs, even eliminating the tariffs, let's say for industrial products, this would be something which we are ready to discuss," he told an audience at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.

"We are ready to go for it," he said, ahead of talks with his US counterparts, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative nominee Jamieson Greer.

Sefcovic said the EU sees "no justification for sudden, unilateral tariff increases" by the US, adding that businesses rely on economic stability and predictability.

If the US imposed tariffs on EU products, this would create unnecessary barriers to exports, businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic, he said. "To protect European interests, we will have no choice but to respond firmly and swiftly."

The commissioner stressed that the bloc will do its best to avoid such an outcome, adding that both parties have to be responsible while dealing with each other.

Sefcovic's trip comes after Trump has threatened to implement sweeping "reciprocal tariffs".

Germany's car lobby warned on Wednesday that such tariffs would hike costs for US car buyers, after Trump signaled he could raise levies on imports of cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday she does not fear Trump's steep tariffs, as she has "the support of the people".

She allayed concerns over Trump's measures, noting there is continuing dialogue between the two sides.

Agencies - Xinhua