Angela Merkel intends to discuss US tariffs on steel and aluminum

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is holding talks for the first time between the European Union and the United States on steel and aluminum tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, but believes that if necessary, the European community should not fear countermeasures.

The German government is currently negotiating - first at the World Trade Organization (WTO) forum, but it is not known whether they will be successful, Merkel told German TV channel ARD. If necessary, “don't be afraid to seek medication,” she added.

Negotiations with the US administration will certainly be more intense after the presidential elections than they were before when the government was fulfilling its duties as commissioner, she said. “Therefore, the creation of a government is an important signal that we can act better than before,” she said.

The Chancellor's view is that the world is currently experiencing a “crisis of multilateralism” and the unity of the European Union is the best answer.

On Friday (March 9), Angela Merkel criticized Donald Trump's decision to impose duties on steel and aluminum imports, but she called for a balanced response and dialogue with the American side. She stressed that the Germans trust the European Commission, which intends to appeal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on tariffs and seeks a dialogue with the United States, but also does not exclude retaliation.

On March 8, the President of the United States signed a decision to restrict the import of steel and aluminum into the United States, with the exception of Canada and Mexico. 25% of the duty was imposed on steel and 10% on aluminum. The new tariffs are due to take effect on March 23rd. Other countries may, through negotiations, apply for derogation from this decision.