German Industry Groups Warn US Regarding Tariffs

German industry groups have warned, prior to the European Commission's president meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump, that tariffs implemented by the U.S. risk harming America itself.

July 24, 2018

July 24, 2018—German industry groups have warned, prior to the European Commission's president meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump, that tariffs implemented by the U.S. risk harming America itself. As EU leader Jean-Claude Juncker readied to meet with president Trump, Reuters reported about European industry groups—particularly those from Germany—strongly opposing the tariffs.

Citing national security concerns, the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, Canada and Mexico on June 1, and Trump is threatening to extend them to EU cars and car parts. Juncker expects to discuss trade with Trump at a meeting on Wednesday.

Dieter Kempf, the head of Germany’s BDI industry association, said that tariffs “under the guise of national security” should be stopped, later adding, “Europe should not let itself be blackmailed.”

German economy minister Peter Altmaier told Deutschlandfunk radio on Sunday that he hoped it was still possible to find a solution that was attractive to both the U.S. and Europe, and added that “for us, that means we stand by open markets and low tariffs.”