14.06.2026 - “Amid increasing disruptions in international trade due to the crisis in the Middle East, the German economy expects leadership from the G7 countries. It is crucial not to exacerbate shortages of essential goods like food, medicines, energy, and critical raw materials. 

Thus, the G7 should aim to reduce trade barriers among themselves, including tariffs and dependencies on critical resources and other essential inputs. Economic security stems from diversification, reliable partnerships, and open markets—not from additional restrictions among close partners. 

At the same time, the G7 must address unfair trade practices decisively. China’s overcapacity, export restrictions, and forced technology transfers distort global competition and place many businesses, including those in Germany, under pressure. Joint and balanced actions are needed to counter market distortions, bolstering fair trade without favouring certain industries at others' expense. 

Particularly in the area of tariffs, closer cooperation offers significant potential. A unified approach to tackling the influx of small goods shipments from non-EU countries can rectify existing imbalances and reduce competitive disadvantages for traditional retail. 

In their efforts, the G7 should also advance the development of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Implementing the WTO agreement on electronic commerce and new plurilateral agreements on trade facilitation can help future-proof the rule-based world trade order. Preventing unnecessary supply shortages and underprovision of vital products would thus become more achievable.”