Germany Warned as Likely Primary Target of U.S. Trade Tariffs by Incoming President Trump
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck anticipates U.S. trade measures to focus on Germany, citing its trade surplus with the United States.
MUNICH, Germany — German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has stated that Germany is expected to be the principal target of trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at an election campaign rally in Munich, Habeck emphasized that Germany's significant trade surplus with the United States positions it as a primary focus for Trump's trade policies.
Habeck, the lead candidate from the Green party in the upcoming German election scheduled for February 23, identified Germany as "a thorn in Donald Trump's side," highlighting the economic tensions between the two nations.
Despite the fact that any punitive trade measures by Trump would need to be directed at the entire European Union, Habeck suggested that the specific targeting of tariffs would disproportionately impact the German economy.
Historically, former President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the European Union over trade imbalances, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors, and has been noted for his critical stance toward the prevalence of German cars in the United States.
In response to potential tariffs, Habeck described the European Union as prepared to "fight back," while calling for Germany to contribute towards strengthening the EU's economic position.
"No matter what the next German government wants to do, it must do it in a European way," he urged.
On the same day, Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and possible successor as chancellor, addressed Trump's approach during a press conference in Berlin.
Merz characterized Trump as "very predictable" and suggested that his actions are forcing necessary reforms in Europe, such as bolstering defensive capabilities.
Merz noted, "He does what he says.
In this respect, I think we can expect a lot more clarity in the coming weeks and months," indicating a potential adjustment in EU policy strategies in response to U.S. trade actions.
The impending trade policies and their implications are anticipated to be a significant matter of discussion within the EU, as Europe braces for potential economic shifts instigated by the incoming U.S. administration.
Speaking at an election campaign rally in Munich, Habeck emphasized that Germany's significant trade surplus with the United States positions it as a primary focus for Trump's trade policies.
Habeck, the lead candidate from the Green party in the upcoming German election scheduled for February 23, identified Germany as "a thorn in Donald Trump's side," highlighting the economic tensions between the two nations.
Despite the fact that any punitive trade measures by Trump would need to be directed at the entire European Union, Habeck suggested that the specific targeting of tariffs would disproportionately impact the German economy.
Historically, former President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the European Union over trade imbalances, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors, and has been noted for his critical stance toward the prevalence of German cars in the United States.
In response to potential tariffs, Habeck described the European Union as prepared to "fight back," while calling for Germany to contribute towards strengthening the EU's economic position.
"No matter what the next German government wants to do, it must do it in a European way," he urged.
On the same day, Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and possible successor as chancellor, addressed Trump's approach during a press conference in Berlin.
Merz characterized Trump as "very predictable" and suggested that his actions are forcing necessary reforms in Europe, such as bolstering defensive capabilities.
Merz noted, "He does what he says.
In this respect, I think we can expect a lot more clarity in the coming weeks and months," indicating a potential adjustment in EU policy strategies in response to U.S. trade actions.
The impending trade policies and their implications are anticipated to be a significant matter of discussion within the EU, as Europe braces for potential economic shifts instigated by the incoming U.S. administration.
