Germany warns US against following ‘wrong path’ of protectionism

The German government has called on the United States not to take a “wrong path” by putting tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, warning that a transatlantic trade war could harm both Europe and the US.

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert made the comment during a press briefing in Berlin on Monday, after US President Donald Trump announced plans last week to impose a 25-percent tariff on steel imports and a 10-percent one on aluminum.

Trump also warned to impose more tariffs on car imports from the European Union.

"A trade war would not be in German, European or American interests," Seibert said. "Closing oneself off and protectionism are the wrong path.”

"Such measures would inflict pain on international trade flows and our industry, but above all hurt workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic," he added.

The German official noted that Berlin would consult with European partners about what steps to take next if the US implemented the measure, but he added, "It's clear we don't want things to get worse, and we certainly don't want anything like a trade war. That can't be in anyone's interest."

Following Trump’s announcement, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker complained that the proposed tariffs were a blatant intervention that amounted to protectionism, vowing to act "firmly" against the US president’s proposed tariffs.

“We will not sit idly while our industry is hit with unfair measures that put thousands of European jobs at risk,” Juncker said.

Also on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Brussels must take urgent action at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and "react quickly" to Washington’s plans for tariffs of steel and aluminum imports.

"I believe it is important for the EU to react quickly, within the framework of the WTO and in a balanced manner," Macron said at a press conference. "It's clear that these (tariffs) would go against WTO rules.”

The French president added that the planned measures amounted to "economic nationalism" and nationalism was a war in which all sides lost.

The tariff plan has also drawn complaints and counter-threats from American allies such as Canada, Mexico, Australia and the world's biggest steel producer, China.

Beijing said Sunday it was ready to “take necessary measures” against Washington if it aimed to harm China's economic interests following the US-imposed tariffs.

SS