German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised the European Union’s negotiating stance in tariff discussions with the United States, stating at an industry summit in Berlin on Monday that the process has become “far too complicated.”
Merz argued that it was not the right time to negotiate 400, 500, 600 different tariff codes with the Americans, emphasising that Europe should focus on agreements within four or five major industries.
Important sectors for Germany include automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. “Things need to move faster, and most importantly, more simply,” he stated.
In April, US President Donald Trump announced global import tariffs, with European countries facing at least a 20% imposition. However, Trump postponed the decision by 90 days – to 9 July – due to market unrest. The European Union is hopeful of reaching an agreement with Washington before this deadline.
