Washington’s Tariffs Threaten to Have Far-Reaching Consequences, Warns Bremen’s Chief Executive
Bremen’s government leader, Andreas Bovenschulte of the Social Democratic Party, is concerned about the potential devastating effects of the impending US tariffs. Speaking to the Spiegel, the politician stated, “The government in Washington is, in the first instance, harming itself. However, many regions in Germany and Europe will also be severely impacted. As a major steel, automotive and port hub, the state of Bremen will be particularly affected by the negative consequences of US policy, unless a reasonable agreement can be reached.”
Although he still holds out hope for the ongoing negotiations, Bovenschulte is also preparing for the possibility of a failure to reach a deal. If the EU is forced to impose counter-tariffs, he warned that the additional revenue should not be absorbed into the general budget. “The revenue from counter-tariffs should primarily benefit the regions that are disproportionately affected by the US tariffs” he emphasized.
The looming trade war is likely to feature prominently in the upcoming minister-presidents’ conference, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday. The regional government leaders will meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union for the first time.