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German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz said that US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on European products would directly hit the export industry of Germany, Europe's largest economy.
Merz stressed that an agreement must be reached through negotiations in the coming weeks. In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, he said that if the tariffs go into effect, the German government could be forced to partially change its economic policies.
"This would overshadow any other developments and would fundamentally hit our export industry ," the chancellor said.
Mertz added that he is maintaining close contact with other European leaders to avoid a trade escalation with the United States.
He stressed that it is essential that the European Union acts unitedly and maintains open channels of communication with the American president.
Asked whether Germany supports retaliatory measures against the US, the chancellor replied: "Yes, but not before August 1."
He also said that over the weekend he discussed the issue extensively with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and had a phone call with Donald Trump on Friday.
"We want to use this period, these two and a half weeks until August 1, to find a solution. I am fully committed to this," Mertz declared.
Meanwhile, the European Union has decided to extend the suspension of retaliatory measures against the US until August 1, to give more space for diplomatic talks.
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