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.

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.

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors awaited tariff news between the U.S. and European Union on Friday that could add a potentially volatile development to the end of a week in which President Donald Trump reignited his global trade war.

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.