Merz has voiced concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports starting March 4, a move that has heightened tensions between the United States and its trading partners.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a member of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) like Merz, criticized the decision as “unjustified” and pledged that the EU would respond with “firm and proportionate countermeasures” to safeguard its economic interests.
According to POLITICO's Poll of Polls, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), currently hold a strong lead ahead of the February 23 election. This puts Merz in a favorable position to become chancellor—placing him at the forefront of handling Trump’s unpredictable trade policies.
The tariffs significantly expand Trump’s protectionist economic approach, effectively undoing previous trade agreements with the EU, the U.K., Japan, and other allies. Trump has defended the decision, calling it “the beginning of making America rich again.”
The new trade restrictions have led to emergency discussions among EU trade ministers, who are now considering retaliatory measures targeting American industries.
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