Germany slams US tariff threats, promises coordinated EU action

Germany has warned the United States of a united European response if the US proceeds with its plans to impose tariffs on goods from the European Union (EU).

Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection of Germany, stated that the EU would not allow itself to be manipulated or unfairly targeted, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

In a recent statement, Habeck emphasized the EU's resolve, saying, “The EU will not allow itself to be gerrymandered. If President [Donald] Trump imposes the announced duties on products from the EU, we will respond with unity and confidence.” He added that the potential conflict could escalate into a "comprehensive customs conflict."

Habeck voiced concern over the growing trade tensions, noting the ongoing tariff impositions against countries like Canada, Mexico, and China by the US, which he called "unilateral and unjustified." He warned that these actions were setting a dangerous precedent, with Canada and China now retaliating by introducing their own tariffs. “This is the tariff spiral that I warned about from the first statements from Washington,” he said.

The German minister pointed out that such trade wars create no winners, only greater uncertainty in the markets, rising inflation, higher prices, and reduced investment security. Habeck highlighted that the escalating conflict could have a detrimental effect on the global economy, underlining the urgency of avoiding a trade war.

Germany supports the European Commission's stance of seeking a negotiated solution with the US government, hoping to resolve these tensions without further escalation. Habeck stressed the importance of dialogue in addressing trade issues, advocating for diplomatic measures rather than punitive tariffs.

This comes in the wake of a series of trade disputes between the US and several countries. Recently, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to raise duties on Chinese imports from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, citing insufficient action from Beijing to combat the illegal influx of synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the US. In retaliation, China has imposed additional tariffs on US agricultural products, further exacerbating the tension.

By Vafa Guliyeva