Washington (dpa) – Following the tariff agreement between the EU and the USA, Germany’s Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil asserts the need for Germany to take action.
Klingbeil stated on the radio prior to his meeting with his American counterpart in Washington, “Our weaknesses have already been exposed in the tariff dispute with the Americans, and we must take responsibility for that.” He stressed the importance of strengthening ties with other partners such as Canada and the UK, saying, “We need to become stronger.”
He acknowledged the positive aspect of reaching a solution but emphasized the need for clarity moving forward. Klingbeil also urged Europeans to reflect on recent developments: “What has transpired in the past few weeks?” He described the current state of global trade as a “setback.”
Klingbeil: I would have preferred a more favorable resolution
Klingbeil expressed that he had hoped for a better outcome from the negotiations with the USA. He highlighted the importance of exploring remaining options to safeguard German jobs and the economic landscape, particularly in the steel industry. He raised concerns about the agreement, mentioning steel and potential quota regulations as examples.
Klingbeil arrived in the USA on Sunday for various discussions, including a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday.
The EU and USA recently settled their tariff dispute, with an agreement reached between US President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, establishing a tariff rate of 15 percent for most EU imports into the USA. (August 4)
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