The German federal government has responded calmly to the new tariff threats issued by the United States. Vice government spokesman Steffen Meyer acknowledged the threats on Wednesday, telling dts Nachrichtenagentur that the government had taken note of them. However, he emphasized that their primary focus remains on implementing the existing trade agreement that the EU Commission reached with the US government, with Germany’s support. According to Meyer, they are currently “on a good path” and remain optimistic that, based on this progress, a final, binding agreement will eventually be reached and brought into force.
The United States had previously threatened to impose new tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 economies, including the European Union. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer justified this measure on Wednesday, claiming these countries had made insufficient efforts to combat forced labor. Despite the threats, these tariffs will not take effect immediately. Objections can still be lodged until July 6, with a hearing scheduled for July 7. Separately, the trade deal between the US and the EU is already scheduled for a vote in the European Parliament in mid-June.
