In an atmosphere of rising trade tensions, Germany’s Finance Minister, Joerg Kukies, delivered a sobering message that echoes far beyond Berlin’s borders. In a candid discussion with Reuters from the heart of Berlin, Kukies warned that the new U.S. tariffs could inflict significant damage not only on the German economy but also on the United States itself. Kukies’s remarks followed a key meeting in Washington with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other members of the Trump administration, highlighting that behind the diplomatic niceties there is deep worry about a potential escalation into an all-out trade war. The announcement came after the U.S. imposed a steep 25% duty on imports of finished cars and specific auto components, effective from April 3—a move that dashed lingering hopes for either lower rates or possible exemptions, as previous short-term policies had hinted at room for negotiation. The Finance Minister did not mince words: “Higher tariffs will hit German car m...
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