Chancellor Merz: Germany Must Seek New Trade Partners Amid Rising US-EU Tariffs
Germany needs to diversify its trade relationships and reduce dependency on traditional partners, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday, urging the country to look beyond the EU-US trade framework, which now includes 15% tariffs on EU goods.
Speaking in response to growing trade tensions, Merz emphasized that Germany must proactively build new alliances and seek out emerging markets to ensure long-term economic stability.
“We cannot afford to put all our eggs in one basket,” Merz stated. “The future of German exports lies in diversification.”
The recent imposition of steep tariffs under the EU-US trade deal has reignited debate in Berlin over whether the EU’s economic strategy is overly reliant on a few key partners, particularly the United States and China.
Merz’s comments reflect a broader shift in thinking within German leadership, with policymakers increasingly advocating for stronger ties with Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as deeper intra-European cooperation beyond the core Western bloc.
As Germany faces headwinds from slow growth, global supply chain disruptions, and shifting geopolitical alliances, Merz’s message signals a new phase in foreign trade policy — one focused on strategic diversification and economic resilience.
