World trade
Klingbeil: Will not participate in the customs dispute
“Trump’s tariffs only know losers,” says finance minister Klingbeil. Europe wants to continue to negotiate with the United States – but the G20 meeting in South Africa remains an important interlocutor.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil called up the USA in the customs dispute with the EU on serious negotiations without provocations and threats. “Our hand remains stretched out, but we won’t be able to participate,” said the SPD politician after a meeting with his French counterpart Éric Lombard near Berlin. The Europeans wanted a fair deal with the Americans. At the same time, determined countermeasures would have to be prepared to protect jobs and companies in Europe.
“Trump’s tariffs only know losers,” emphasized Klingbeil. They threatened the American economy at least as strongly as companies in Europe. US President Donald Trump had previously reported progress in negotiations with the EU. On Saturday he announced tariffs of 30 percent on the import of EU products from August 1st. In the event that the United States introduces the new customs rate, the EU wants to react with counter -tariffs, among other things.
Klingbeil travels to a meeting of the G20 finance ministers in South Africa in the evening, in which American customs policy will also be a topic. However, the American finance minister Scott Bessent does not travel, but can only be switched on for talks in the circle of the G7.
dpa
Source: Stern
