Trade war: EU will put tariffs on US metals after ‘depressing’ G7 tweets by Donald Trump
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU would place counter-tariffs on US aluminium and steel imports
Europe will implement counter-measures against US tariffs on steel and aluminium, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday, voicing regret about President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw support for a Group of Seven communique.
“The withdrawal, so to speak, via tweet is of course ... sobering and a bit depressing,” Merkel said in an ARD television interview following the G7 summit in Canada.
“It’s hard, it’s depressing this time, but that’s not the end” of the Group of Seven, she added.
Just like Canada, the European Union is preparing counter-measures against US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, Merkel said.
“It means that we as Europe have to stand up for our principles, potentially together with Japan and Canada,” Merkel said of Trump pushing away the other members of the G7.
Merkel said she will keep talking with Trump., but renewed her call for Europe to take a more forceful role in global affairs and said the European Union won’t be “take for a ride” in its trade conflict with the US.