An agreement on tariffs between the United States and the European Union is creating uncertainty and adding burdens for businesses, according to a survey of German companies urging Brussels to take tougher action.
The German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) said on Wednesday that its August poll of firms revealed a clear demand for a stronger EU strategy, even if this could negatively affect their own operations.
“The EU must protect its regulatory autonomy and economic sovereignty and not risk them for short-term trade deals,” said Volker Treier, foreign trade specialist at the DIHK.
At the end of July, Washington and Brussels reached a framework trade deal that introduced a baseline tariff of 15% on EU goods imported into the U.S. A more detailed joint statement followed last week, but many details remain unsettled.
Tariff levels for sensitive sectors such as cars and metals are still under discussion, leaving businesses in limbo. The DIHK urged EU negotiators to prevent excessive red tape and push for a mechanism that would stop further tariff increases.
“In case of emergency, the EU should not hesitate to take countermeasures and negotiate firmly. In the long term, abolishing U.S. tariffs that violate WTO rules must remain the goal,” Treier added.
