Klingbeil is urging the agreement: US tariffs could endanger Europe!

Klingbeil is urging the agreement: US tariffs could endanger Europe!

In the current customs dispute between the European Union and the USA, Germany's finance minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and the EU are relying on a diplomatic course. In a conversation with US finance minister Scott Bessent, Klingbeil emphasized the need for a compromising solution to avoid further provocations. He emphasized the closed and determined representation of European interests and called for serious negotiations that everyone involved should take seriously. The minister warns that the high tariffs that US President Donald Trump threatened not only endanger the German and European economy, but could also have an impact on the American economy. Klingbeil appeals to Trump to end the trade conflict quickly because it is harmful to both sides.

The uncertainty about the penalty tariffs threatened by Trump from 50 percent on imports from Europe from June 1 ensures tensions. Trump expressed Truth Social on his platform that the talks with the EU had not yet had anything. He questioned the founding of the EU by claiming that it was created to take advantage of the United States in retail. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the tariffs will actually come into force.

European reactions and hopes for negotiations

Despite the tense relationship, the EU hopes for a positive trade deal with the United States. EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič confirmed that the EU was determined to reach an agreement that is advantageous for both sides. At the moment, the US tariffs are temporarily exposed to goods from the EU, but are not lifted. Discussions with trading ministers, such as US Minister of Trade Howard Lutnick, are still underway, but the agreements have been left out so far.

The trade volume between the EU and the USA is $ 1.7 trillion. Germany, as the largest export nation within the EU, has a strong interest in good relationships with the United States. Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche is behind the negotiations of the EU Commission. However, she emphasizes that the EU is negotiating from a position of economic strength, but warns of an escalation of the Situation. In this context, a new list of US export goods for possible counter-tolls are mentioned that could include imports worth around 95 billion euros.

criticism of the US negotiations

In the ranks of the European Minister, there is also criticism of the negotiations. Austria's Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer described them as unfair and an advantage of the United States. The French Minister of Commerce Laurent Saint-Martin also asked for a preparation for possible failed negotiations. In this context, it is emphasized that higher US tariffs and EU counter tariffs are exposed to 90 days, with a third of this period already passed. Particular attention applies to the still applicable tariffs on steel, aluminum and cars.

Overall, the situation in the customs dispute remains tense. A quick end to this conflict is in the interests of all parties, and the EU is determined to assert its strength as a trade power. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how the negotiations between the USA and the EU will develop.