Mattis: Trade dispute with Europe won't damage security ties

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis says he does not expect the dispute with European allies over US import tariffs to damage military and security relations.

Mattis addressed the issue in remarks to reporters traveling with him today to Brussels, where he will attend meetings of NATO defense ministers later in the week.

He said it is too early to call the tariffs dispute a trade war. He argued that the US is justified in demanding what he called "fair and reciprocal" trade with Europe. The Europeans, as well as Canada, which is a NATO ally, have sharply criticised new US tariffs on steel and aluminum and have threatened retaliation against some American products.