German Chancellor calls US new tariffs a blow to Europe

Berlin (ANTARA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described the new tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump as a blow to the whole of Europe, but still hopes that the trade conflict can be resolved soon.

Previously, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs of 25 per cent on cars and trucks from the European Union starting this week, on the grounds that the European Union has failed to fulfil the trade agreement with the United States.

“He (Trump) wants to deliver a blow to the whole of Europe,” said Merz in an interview with the ARD broadcasting station.

Nevertheless, the German Chancellor emphasised that he does not want to exaggerate the situation regarding the new tariffs, explaining that Trump has his own reasons for announcing the policy.

“I think he is starting to lose patience, because we reached a customs agreement with America in August last year,” said Merz.

He added that to date, the European Union has not signed the agreement and continues to propose new conditions.

“The American side is ready, but the European side is not, and I hope we can reach an agreement soon,” he continued.

Merz said that he will have several opportunities to discuss the issue directly with Trump this year, including at the G7 meeting in France in June and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit in Turkey in July.

Trade relations between the European Union and the United States have remained tense in recent years. Washington previously imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe, which was then reciprocated with similar measures by the European Union.

Both sides once agreed to ease some of those restrictions, but the issue of tariffs on the automotive sector remains the main risk.

Trump’s latest statement has triggered concerns in Europe regarding the potential escalation of trade conflicts and their impact on industry and jobs.