< p > Musk hopes for zero-tariff free trade zone between US and Europe, Germany's deputy PM says he is showing signs of fear. < / p >< p > Outgoing German Deputy Prime Minister and Economics Minister Habek said that Musk's recent remarks supporting the idea of achieving a "zero-tariff" system and establishing a "free trade zone" between the US and Europe indicate the weakness and fear of this billionaire. < / p >< p > On Saturday, Musk appeared via video link at a rally of Italy's far-right League Party and was interviewed by Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and League Party leader Salvini. He expressed hope that the US and Europe could achieve a "zero-tariff" system and establish a "free trade zone". Not long ago, Musk's ally, former US President Trump, announced "reciprocal tariffs" on global trading partners, with the EU not being exempted. < / p >< p > Musk stated on the same day: "I hope all parties can reach an agreement - I think it should be so - zero tariffs between Europe and the US to establish a free trade zone between Europe and North America." Regarding Trump's tariff measures, outgoing Habek called on the EU to deploy its strongest retaliatory tools on Monday. < / p >< p > Habek said at the EU Trade Ministers' Meeting in Luxembourg: "I read what Musk said - I think it shows weakness, perhaps even fear." Trump's tariff measures continue to trigger selling in global financial markets. < / p >< p > Although Musk held a temporary position in the Trump administration and did not directly participate in trade policy, Trump last week indicated that this billionaire would likely leave the White House "in a few months". < / p >< p > Tesla, which produces many electric vehicles in California and Texas, has been less affected by this week's implementation of Trump's auto tariffs compared to other automakers. However, he noted that Tesla, which has significant business in China, would also feel some pain. < / p >< p > According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, since the beginning of this year, Musk's fortune has plummeted by $130 billion. Since mid-December last year, Tesla's stock price has fallen by half. Habek pointed out that before discussing any form of "zero tariff", Musk should tell Trump to stop the trade war. < / p >< p > Habek commented: "This is ridiculous, and my only explanation is that he (Musk) now sees his own company and even the economy collapsing due to the chaos they have created, so he is afraid." During Trump's first term, the EU and the US had discussed zero-tariff policies. < / p >< p > Source: rfi < / p >< p >< img src = "//p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-ezhpy3drpa/b6310f3340a94caca0efb39f5183383a~tplv-obj:762:424.image?_iz=97245&bid=15&from=post&gid=1828762564307019&lk3s=06827d14&x-expires=1751760000&x-signature=7eHSV%2FTG%2FqEv0aklXikRDEPvDyU%3D" / > < / p >< p > Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828762564307019/ < / p >< p > Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone. < / p >