German Chancellor threatens Trump with counter-tariffs, urges against confrontational approach

The European Commission (EC) would respond "within hours" if US President Donald Trump went ahead to impose import tariffs on European goods.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave this stark warning to the US administration in an interview to the German broadcaster RND on February 8. 

When asked about US President Donald Trump's threats regarding import tariffs, Chancellor Scholz stated that what the global economy needed were fewer trade barriers, not more. 

"Globalization has brought a lot of prosperity, everywhere in the world. Germany benefits from this with its highly efficient export industry. This must remain the case. That is why I advocate for us, as the European Union, to stick together and make it clear: The EU, with its 450 million citizens, is strong and capable of taking action," Scholz stated.

He also said that he was supportive of cooperation and not confrontation with the US. When pushed further by the interviewer on how he would respond if Washington did impose tariffs on European goods, Scholz cautioned Trump not do to so.

"Our hand is extended because tariffs are not good for anyone. However, if the US takes such steps, the EU Commission is able to respond within hours," he reiterated.

By Nazrin Sadigova