In light of the threat of a 30% tariff on imports from Europe and Mexico, Germany and the EU express concern and discuss necessary actions.
Germany's Response to Tariffs
In an interview with the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil stated that if a fair agreement cannot be reached with the US, the European Union will be forced to take strong actions to protect jobs and businesses in Europe.
Hopes for Negotiations
Jürgen Hardt, a deputy head of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary faction in the Bundestag, expressed optimism about continued negotiations between the EU and Washington, especially considering the possibility of postponing tariffs until August 1. He noted that high tariffs would affect American consumers, leading to rising prices and inflation in the US.
Criticism of Trump's Policy
Bernd Lange, a Member of the European Parliament’s trade committee, described the potential increase in tariffs from 20% to 30% as "bold and disrespectful." He pointed out that these actions undermine ongoing negotiations and are unacceptable for an important trading partner. Lange emphasized the need to clearly communicate that such "unfair trade practices" are not acceptable.
Thus, the threat of tariffs from the US raises significant concerns in Germany and the EU, which strive for honest and constructive negotiations to protect their interests.
