BRUSSELS -- The European Union will "keep options open" to protect its interests if the United States take measures inconsistent with the joint statement between two sides signed last year on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade, a European Commission spokesperson told Xinhua on Friday.

"We remain fully committed to a predictable, mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship. Should the US take measures inconsistent with the Joint Statement, we will keep our options open to protect EU interests," the spokesperson said.

The remarks came after Trump's latest threat earlier on the day that he would raise tariffs to 25 percent on cars and trucks imported from the EU from next week, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with the agreement.