The German government expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing customs negotiations between the European Union and the United States, just two days before the expiration of a 90-day suspension of US tariffs. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, responding to inquiries from the dts Nachrichtenagentur on Monday in Berlin, stated that he remains “steadfastly confident” about the process.
Kornelius also conveyed trust in the European Commission, noting that the body is actively exploring various potential outcomes. He indicated that the Commission is considering a range of scenarios related to the extension of the tariff suspension and engaging in extensive discussions with industry representatives, affected parties and national governments.
Acknowledging the intricacy of the situation, Kornelius described the negotiations as a “complex matrix” highlighting the numerous interests and sectors involved. He emphasized the challenging task of achieving balance across these diverse interests, a task that the Commission is reportedly tackling with a purposeful and unified approach, maintaining a necessary level of discretion. This commitment to confidentiality, Kornelius added, strengthens the Commission’s credibility and secures the German government’s confidence in its handling of the negotiations.