German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday the European Union must take "decisive" measures against the United States if tariff negotiations fail to cool an escalating global trade war.

The EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) will hold an extraordinary meeting in Brussels on Sunday 13 July, during which EU member state ambassadors will discuss the draft of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia,

President Donald Trump posted letters to the leaders of Mexico and the European Union, saying they had not done enough to head off the new tariffs.

A senior German politician said on Sunday the European Union and Washington could negotiate further and postpone higher import duties after U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up the trade war by threatening a hike in tariffs on the bloc.

President Trump announced on social media that he is levying 30% tariffs against Mexico and the European Union. They are set to begin on August 1.

The European Commission responded to Trump's announcement in a written statement, saying it remains ready to reach an agreement, while also taking "necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.

The EU is prepared to take the necessary steps to safeguard its interests if the U.S. proceeds with imposing a 30% tariff on European goods starting Aug 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday.