[Text/Observer Network Qi Qian] According to reports by Agence France-Presse and Reuters, on April 9 local time, Friedrich Merz, the incoming German Chancellor, said that the determination of Europeans to resolutely counterattack and their unity prompted US President Donald Trump to change his mind. Earlier, Trump decided to temporarily suspend the implementation of "reciprocal tariffs" for 90 days for most countries, while retaining a so-called benchmark tariff of 10% during this period.
When accepting an interview with RTL German broadcaster that day, Merz was asked about the reason for Trump's change of stance.
Merz replied, "In my view, this is a response from the United States to Europe's determination." He quoted a statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, "We are determined to respond." He added, "Unity is helpful."
Regarding the US-EU trade dispute, Merz expressed that he hoped the US would continue to reduce or completely eliminate tariffs on the EU. He said, "Ideally, both sides should implement zero tariffs on transatlantic trade. That way, the problem will be solved."
On the same day, Merz also told Germany's public broadcasting company ARD that he would "soon meet" with Trump, but the specific date for his visit to the US has not been determined. He stated that when meeting with Trump, he did not want to speak only on behalf of Germany.
Merz added that he hoped to coordinate EU policies toward the US with other EU leaders, "For me, Europe is the priority."
According to media reports in Germany, on April 9 local time, after six weeks of consultations and negotiations, the Union Party and the Social Democratic Party, to which Merz belongs, reached a consensus on the coalition agreement, paving the way for the formation of the new coalition government. Merz is likely to officially take office at the beginning of May.
A video screenshot showing Friedrich Merz, the incoming German Chancellor, speaking on April 9.
On April 2 local time, Trump signed two executive orders regarding so-called "reciprocal tariffs," one of which imposed a tax rate of 20% on the EU. Previously, the US had already imposed a 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminum. This move sparked global anger and panic and was unanimously criticized by the international community.
After causing a massive shock in global stock markets and making the US the target of widespread criticism, on April 9 local time, Trump decided to suspend the "reciprocal tariffs" for 90 days for imports from most countries, while still retaining a so-called base tariff of 10% during this period.
However, before Trump announced his latest decision, the 27 EU member states had already voted to approve retaliatory measures imposing a 25% tariff on $21 billion (approximately 170.3 billion RMB) worth of American imports on April 9 to counter the US steel tariffs. The European Commission stated that the US tariffs were "unreasonable and destructive, causing economic harm to both parties and the global economy," and hoped to reach a balanced and mutually beneficial negotiation outcome with the US.
The EU has not yet responded to the US administration's "reciprocal tariff" policy. However, von der Leyen previously stated that the European Commission would use "all available tools" for retaliation when necessary, including a rarely triggered anti-coercion tool (ACI) launched in 2023, to strike back at US technology, banking, and other service industries.
After Trump announced the "postponement" decision on April 9, he signed the executive order in the Oval Office of the White House and answered reporters' questions. According to a video released by Sky News UK, it seemed that Trump had not yet learned that the EU had taken retaliatory measures against US tariffs at that time.
When asked about the EU's increased tariffs on the US, Trump inquired with Luetnik (the person on the far right).
In the video, a reporter mentioned that the EU announced higher tariffs on the US, and Trump appeared very surprised. "They chose a bad time for themselves," he replied, looking shocked at Commerce Secretary Luetnik standing beside him.
Luetnik also seemed unclear about the situation. He smiled and told Trump, "They are just threatening, they chose a later time. Our expectation is that they will retaliate formally at a later time."
"Well, I'm glad they held back." Trump said.
This article is an exclusive article by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7491576412969697846/
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