Germany slams Trump tariffs as 'attack' on international trade order

BERLIN

Germany’s outgoing chancellor sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s tariffs decisions on Thursday, calling them “an attack’ on the established international trade order.

“I believe the US president's recent tariff decisions are fundamentally wrong. They are an attack on a trade order that has created prosperity around the globe,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz told a news conference in Berlin.

He pointed out that the current international trade system, founded on free market principles and reduced trade barriers, was established through the efforts of previous American administrations.

Scholz warned that the new tariffs announced by the Trump administration would have a negative impact across Europe, the United States, and worldwide.

“The entire global economy will suffer from these ill-conceived decisions. Businesses and consumers everywhere in the world, including in the US, will be affected. The US administration is embarking on a path that can only result in losses for everyone,” he said.

US President Donald Trump Wednesday announced sweeping tariffs against dozens of countries and economic regions, including the European Union. Imports from the EU will face a 20% surcharge, while other countries face a minimum rate of 10%.

Scholz is set to soon pass the torch to a new premier under a new government formed in the wake of Germany’s February elections.​​​​​​​