May 2, 2026 – "The tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump mark yet another unnecessary escalation in the transatlantic trade conflict – at a time when German and European businesses are already suffering significantly from the United States' high-tariff policy. Unfortunately, this renewed escalation demonstrates that the United States is increasingly moving away from its role as a reliable trade partner. While the EU is constructively working on implementing the Turnberry Agreement, the latest announcements from the White House risk jeopardizing this very process.

The German economy relies on dependable and stable conditions in transatlantic trade.

The new tariffs would be another major blow to our exporters – and this, after our exports to the USA already dropped by nearly 10 percent in 2025.

In this situation, the European Union must act in a united, sovereign, and determined manner. It should continue the implementation process undeterred and at the same time collectively make it clear that unilateral escalations will not go unanswered. At the same time, other trade partnerships - such as the recently enacted Mercosur – should be actively expanded."