Japanese government officials and business leaders reacted with measured anger Wednesday to a decision by U.S. President George W. Bush to slap tariffs on imported steel.

"It is regrettable," Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said. The Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma said the government will decide on any countermeasures after consulting the European Union and South Korea.

In Brussels, EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said the EU plans to bring the case to the WTO.