US President Donald Trump has warned that the European Union (EU) could face “very heavy tariffs” if he considers its actions to be a “hostile act”, as Canada moves to deepen economic and strategic ties with the bloc amid escalating trade tensions, news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday (local time), Trump said, “Canada's into a terrible trade practice. And now, I will say this: if they do that, if I think it's a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs, or stop trading with Europe on many things.”