Germany’s Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil, has issued a clear warning to the United States, stating that the European Union is prepared to implement retaliatory measures if President Donald Trump does not present a fair trade agreement to the bloc.
“We want a deal with the Americans—but let me be very clear: that deal must be fair. If we do not reach such an agreement, then the EU must take countermeasures to protect our economy,” Klingbeil told the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament.
His remarks come amid growing concern among EU member states that the bloc may be forced into accepting an unfavorable trade arrangement. According to The Guardian, Germany has been pushing for a swift resolution, but fears are mounting that the current U.S. offer would hurt key European industries.
Klingbeil emphasized the broader economic consequences: “U.S. tariffs put jobs at risk on both sides of the Atlantic. This trade war hurts us all and must end as soon as possible.”
The statement follows critical comments from Sweden’s Finance Minister, Elisabeth Svantesson, who described Washington’s latest proposal—reportedly including a 10% tariff on most EU exports in exchange for limited concessions in the automotive, aviation, and medical equipment sectors—as “deeply flawed.”
A 10% tariff represents a fivefold increase compared to the average rate EU exports faced before Trump took office earlier this year.
