Merz flies to Trump to save the economy. “Tariffs will hit Americans and Europe”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to meet US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to prevent an escalation of customs disputes, AFP reported on Monday. The head of the German government emphasized in Berlin that punitive tariffs would harm both Americans and Europeans.

President Trump announced on Saturday that he would impose 10 percent tariffs on eight European countries from February 1 for sending small groups of soldiers to Greenland and opposing his plans to take over the island. These are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Great Britain. The tariffs announced by Trump are to increase to 25 percent in June. and remain in force until the US concludes an agreement to purchase the island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

In response, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the activation of a special EU mechanism established to protect the EU against economic blackmail.

Chancellor Merz announced efforts to meet with President Trump to avoid an escalation of customs disputes.

“Tariffs are usually paid by those whose countries imported goods go to. In this case, they would be paid by American consumers, but they would also hurt our economy, the European economy and especially the German economy. That's why we want to find a solution to this issue,” Merz said during a press conference in Berlin.

The head of the German government, quoted by dpa, emphasized that the imposition of tariffs by the United States would weaken transatlantic relations. He emphasized that Europe demands the implementation of its demands, but does not want the conflict to escalate. In this context, Merz announced that he wants to “try” to meet Trump on Wednesday.

The Chancellor informed that there is close exchange of information with European partners and the US administration regarding customs duties.

“It is obvious that we want to maintain our position as a country and a continent. It depends on us, which is why in Germany we want to accept reality, take responsibility and work for Germany,” Merz emphasized.

The German government declared on Monday its readiness to use retaliatory measures if the US imposes punitive tariffs. The European Commission also confirmed its readiness to react decisively. “The European Union has the right tools and is prepared to use them if the United States introduces tariffs,” said EC spokesman Olof Gill. “We will take all necessary actions to defend the EU's economic interests,” he added.

The tariffs on some European countries announced by Trump on Saturday are to enter into force on February 1. In turn, by February 6, the EU must decide to extend the exemption of American goods worth EUR 93 billion from higher customs duties. This concerns retaliatory tariffs that the EU has prepared in connection with Trump's imposition of tariffs on the EU in 2025. Due to the customs agreement concluded by Trump and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen in July, the decision on retaliatory tariffs has been temporarily suspended.

From Berlin Iwona Weidmann (PAP)

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