Merz warns Trump's tariffs could deal heavy blow to German exports
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
If the EU and the US fail to reach a trade agreement, Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs would deal a crippling blow to German exporters.
This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to Bloomberg.
The EU recently extended the suspension of trade countermeasures against the US until August 1, allowing more time for negotiations. This came after US President Donald Trump threatened over the weekend to impose a new 30% tariff on the bloc.
According to Merz, if those tariffs are introduced, the German government may have to delay some of its economic measures.
"That would overshadow everything, and hit the German export industry to the core," the chancellor said.
He also added that he is closely coordinating with other EU leaders to ensure tariffs of that scale are not implemented.
"That requires two things: unity in the European Union and good lines of communication with the American president," the conservative leader added.
When asked whether Germany would support retaliatory tariffs against the US, Merz responded, "Yes, but not before August 1."
The German official shared that he had discussed the issue in detail over the weekend with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He also had a phone call with Trump on Friday.
"We want to use this time now, these two and a half weeks until August, to find a solution," Merz said. "I am really committed to this."
