The European Union emphasizes the need for dialogue with the USA
On February 21, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs from 10% to 15% for all countries in the world. This decision was the result of a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed many tariffs imposed by his administration illegal. Trump shared this on the social network Truth Social.
He noted that he is "immediately increasing tariffs for all countries that have been 'robbing' America for decades to a fully legal level of 15%." Trump also promised that his administration would "designate and introduce new legal tariffs" in the coming months, as reported by DW.
It should be recalled that on February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing large tariffs on goods from various countries, including EU member states. Many tariffs, including 25% on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, were deemed unlawful.
At a press conference, Trump characterized the Supreme Court's decision as "deeply disappointing," calling the judges "a disgrace to the nation," claiming that they succumbed to foreign interests.
The 10% tariffs, which will be increased to 15% starting February 24, will remain in effect for 150 days. To extend this period, the consent of the U.S. Congress will be required.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope on February 21, prior to the announcement of the tariff increase, for a reduction in the tariff burden on the country's economy following the Supreme Court's decision. In an interview with ARD, he noted: "This decision was anticipated by many."
Merz emphasized the need for negotiations with the USA so that "German companies can recover billions." He added that he intends to travel to Washington in early March with an agreed European position, as tariff policy should fall under the competence of the European Union, not individual countries.
Commenting on the court's decision, Germany's Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil noted that despite the ruling, tariffs remain in key sectors such as automotive and metallurgy, and Trump has already announced new tariffs. "This creates significant uncertainty," he added in a conversation with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
Klingbeil emphasized that tariffs negatively affect the economies of both countries, but American citizens suffer the most.
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