Germany Identified as Primary EU Target of Trump Tariffs, Economy Minister Warns

Germany on Guard as Trump Targets EU with Trade Tariffs

Germany’s Economy Minister Robert Habeck has voiced concerns that any punitive trade measures imposed by Donald Trump against the European Union would likely be specifically tailored to inflict economic pain on Germany. Although Trump can only target the EU as a whole, Habeck noted, “you can be pretty sure that the tariffs he might want to impose will be designed to particularly hit the German economy.”

Trump has a history of criticizing the EU for not purchasing enough American automobiles and agricultural products. He has also reportedly been “obsessed” with the number of German cars visible on the streets of Manhattan, a longstanding irritant in U.S.-EU trade relations.

Amid these tensions, Habeck stated that the EU is prepared to push back against any U.S. tariffs. However, he emphasized that Germany must play a stronger leadership role in Europe. “No matter what the next German government wants to do, it must act in a European way,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s center-right CDU and the likely next chancellor, commented that potential trade measures by Trump should not come as a surprise. Speaking at a retreat for the European People’s Party (EPP) leadership in Berlin on Saturday, Merz remarked, “I think Donald Trump is very predictable. He does what he says. In this respect, I think we can expect a lot more clarity in the coming weeks and months.”

Merz also pointed out that Trump’s confrontational stance could serve as a wake-up call for Europe to implement overdue reforms, particularly in the realm of defense. “In this respect, this is also an opportunity for us to do the right thing,” he added, referring to the EU’s need to bolster its strategic and military capacities.

As Germany prepares for a leadership transition that could shape its approach to transatlantic relations, the country’s political leaders appear united in their calls for a robust, unified European response to any policy moves from Washington that might threaten the bloc’s economic or strategic interests.

Hans von der Burchard contributed from Munich. Giovanna Coi reported from Brussels.