German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has welcomed the agreement reached between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariff negotiations.
Speaking on Sunday evening, Merz expressed relief that Europe and the United States had averted what he described as an “unnecessary escalation” in transatlantic trade relations. He attributed the positive outcome to the “unity of the European Union” and the “hard work” of the negotiating teams.
Merz specifically acknowledged the efforts of Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič for their “tireless commitment”. The agreement, he stated, has successfully averted a potential trade conflict that could have significantly impacted the export-oriented German economy, particularly the automotive sector. Tariffs in that sector are set to be reduced from 27.5 percent to 15 percent.
Merz reiterated Germany and the European Union’s commitment to “free and fair global trade” pledging continued advocacy for tariff reductions and the “removal of trade barriers”. This includes ongoing negotiations regarding further free trade agreements, notably those with the Mercosur nations in South America.