Europe must express pressure on Trump on prices, Habeck desires from Germany – Politico

The EU, which now faces a tariff of 20% as part of Trump’s policy, is preparing detailed countermeasures. By respecting a list of targeted American products, Habeck said that the block was “not only to put rates on almonds”, but to develop a wide strategic response “product by product”.

However, Habeck’s message stretched far beyond reprisals. He designed the moment as a pivot point in world trade – and an opportunity for Europe to forge new alliances. “An alliance with Canada and Mexico is the agenda,” he said, highlighting informal discussions with the two countries during Hanover Mass this week, one of the world’s largest salons for industrial technology. “When you talk to them, you realize that they think like us.”

He also noted a rare joint declaration of China, Japan and South Korea undertaking to coordinate their answers-a sign, he said, how seriously the world economic order is. “They don’t love each other particularly, but now they are united to stop this blind economic flight,” said Habeck.

Habeck was without haste in his criticism of Trump’s justification for prices. “The fundamental hypothesis is wrong,” he said. “The United States has taken advantage of globalization enormously. That they have not distributed the earnings fairly is their domestic problem. But blame others is dishonest – and dangerous. “

He warned that prices are likely to trigger recessions worldwide. According to German economic estimates, the growth of the United States could decrease by 1.9% if the prices remain in place.

“It’s not just a matter in Europe,” said Habeck. “It is a question of defending the idea of ​​the world’s fair trade and based on rules. And we have to meet this moment with unity, pragmatism – and pressure. ”