German Chancellor Seeks Solution to Trump's Tariff Issue Within Weeks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to work closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resolve the escalating trade war with the US. Merz discussed the issue with Macron and von der Leyen over the weekend and also spoke with President Trump. Merz aims to find a solution within the next two and a half weeks and is committed to avoiding a 30% tariff on EU imports.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to work closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resolve the escalating trade war with the United States. Merz discussed the issue over the weekend with both Macron and von der Leyen and also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump [2].

Merz aims to find a solution within the next two and a half weeks to avoid a 30% tariff on EU imports, which is scheduled to take effect on August 1. The German economy would be significantly impacted by these tariffs, and Merz is committed to ensuring that they are not imposed [2].

Macron has called on the EU to "defend European interests resolutely" in response to Trump's threat of tariffs. He has urged the European Commission to prepare countermeasures, including anti-coercion measures, if no agreement is reached by August 1 [1]. However, other European leaders, such as Germany's economy minister Katherina Reiche and Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni, have urged a more pragmatic approach to avoid a trade war [1].

The threat of a 30% tariff is being seen as a negotiating tactic by many, but there is growing concern that it could escalate into a full-blown trade war. The EU-US trade relationship is worth €1.4bn a year, but just three countries—Germany, Italy, and Ireland—export more to the US than they import [1].

Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump had a "good conversation" on Sunday, with the EU's goal remaining to reach a trade agreement with Washington by July 9. The EU is aiming for a win-win outcome for all parties involved, not losers [3].

Merz has stated that while countermeasures should not be ruled out, they should not be implemented before August 1. He emphasized the need for unity in Europe and a sensible dialogue with the American President [2].

The upcoming trade ministers' summit on Monday will likely see divisions in the EU's approach, with some calling for a more resolute stance and others urging a pragmatic solution. The German automotive industry, already reeling from previous tariffs, is particularly concerned about the prospect of rising costs and further escalation [1].

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/13/macron-calls-on-eu-to-defend-european-interests-resolutely-from-trump-tariffs
[2] https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/germany-merz/2025/07/13/id/1218602/
[3] https://fakti.bg/en/world/984171-ursula-von-der-leyen-and-donald-trump-discussed-eu-us-trade-relations