Germany does not want to go down the path of protectionism and tariffs because such an approach hurts everyone. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this today at the IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich. He emphasized that the automotive industry will remain key for Germany and that competition from China and the United States must be responded to with innovation. The chancellor called on the European Union to be more flexible in its electric mobility policy.
Merz criticizes tariffs
In his opening speech, Merz condemned protectionism in international trade and the introduction of tariffs. He said that tensions in the trade and customs dispute with the United States must continue to be reduced. “I would have liked a different outcome,” Merz also said of the trade agreement between the European Union and the US. Which imposed 15% tariffs on imports of goods from the EU.
According to the German chancellor, the automotive industry will remain a key sector for Germany. “The whole country would be poorer without the automotive industry,” he said. According to Merz, the problems faced by the industry in recent years, caused in part by competition from China and the US. Need to be addressed through innovation, quality, and sustainable production. Industry, including the automotive industry, also needs the right political framework.
Merz calls on the EU to adopt more flexible regulations on electromobility
In his speech, Merz also called on the European Union to show “greater flexibility” in regulating the automotive industry on the road to electromobility. “Of course, we strongly support the transition to electromobility,” he said. However, he believes that “intelligent, reliable, and flexible European regulation” is needed.
Over the next four to six weeks. Merz plans to meet with key players in the automotive industry, including suppliers, to discuss the challenges facing the sector. German carmakers are struggling with .Among other things, a slump in demand in China, increased tariffs on car imports to the United States, and the unexpectedly slow pace of customer transition to electric cars.
Source: Reuters
