German Chancellor: Trump's new tariffs a blow for Europe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz/DOK European Union

JAKARTA - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump a blow to all of Europe, but still hopes that the trade conflict can be resolved soon.

Previously, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs of 25 percent on cars and trucks from the European Union starting this week, citing the European Union's failure to meet a trade deal with the United States.

"He (Trump) wants to give a blow to the whole of Europe," Merz said in an interview with the ARD broadcaster, as reported by Sputnik, Monday, May 4.

However, the German Chancellor stressed that he did not want to exaggerate the situation regarding the new tariffs, explaining that Trump had his own reasons for announcing the policy.

"I think he's starting to lose patience, because we reached a customs agreement with America in August last year," Merz said.

He added that until now the European Union had not signed the agreement and continued to propose new conditions.

"The Americans are ready, but the Europeans are not, and I hope we can reach an agreement as soon as possible," he continued.

Merz said he would have a number of opportunities to discuss the issue directly with Trump this year, including at the G7 meeting in France in June and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Turkey in July.

Trade relations between the European Union and the United States in recent years remain tense. Washington previously imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum, which were then retaliated with similar measures by the European Union.

Both parties had agreed to loosen some of the restrictions, but the issue of tariffs on the automotive sector is still a major risk.

Trump's latest statement has sparked concerns in Europe about the potential for increased trade conflicts and their impact on industries and jobs.