Customs dispute: Klingbeil wants to avoid provocation and hold “serious negotiations” with the USA

Klingbeil told the "Bild" newspaper: "We don't need further provocations now, but serious negotiations." He had discussed precisely this with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Klingbeil warned: "US tariffs endanger the American economy at least as much as the German and European economies. This trade conflict harms everyone and must be ended quickly." Klingbeil sent a signal of European solidarity to the American side: "As Europeans, we stand united and determined to represent our interests."

The German automotive industry, which would be particularly affected by a trade war, supports this negotiating line. Hildegard Müller, President of the German Automobile Association, told BILD: "We must continue to try to avoid escalation. All forces must be used to find a political agreement. At the same time, the EU must be prepared to protect the interests of our continent and act confidently."