Donald Trump and Friedrich Merz: Search for solutions in the trade conflict in Washington

Trump's tariff policy has dealt a blow to international trade. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the United States imported German goods worth €161.4 billion last year, making the US the most important buyer.

The Republican has already imposed several tariff surcharges on the EU, including 25 percent tariffs on cars. On Wednesday, at Trump's behest, US import tariffs on steel and aluminum doubled to 50 percent . The German Steel Industry Association sees this as a "new escalation in the transatlantic trade conflict" and is urging the federal government to provide greater support. Trump had also threatened general tariffs of 50 percent on EU goods, and negotiations are currently underway on this. In addition to the tariff dispute, the dispute over EU regulation of online platforms and regulations in the field of artificial intelligence is simmering. The US has therefore threatened those responsible in Europe with visa restrictions due to alleged "censorship."