Germany demands U.S. clarify tariff threats before trade talks resume
Germany's transatlantic coordinator, Metin Hakverdi, has set strict conditions for a new trade deal with the United States. He insists the U.S. must first clarify the impact of recent tariff threats before news negotiations can move forward. His demands come as tensions rise over unpredictable trade policies under the current administration.
Hakverdi's concerns follow years of shifting U.S. trade policies. Since mid-2023, tariffs under both the Biden and Trump administrations have disrupted EU-U.S. agreements, including temporary steel tariffs (Section 232) that were paused in 2023 but reinstated in 2025. In early 2026, new tariffs of up to 25% on EU cars were announced, though core agreements like WTO rules remained largely unchanged.
He pointed to Greenland as an example of how sudden geopolitical shifts can destabilise news. Many Republicans, he noted, also want more predictable trade relations with Europe. Yet Hakverdi believes Europe holds an advantage, as any new U.S. tariffs can only last 150 days under current rules.
A preliminary vote in the European Parliament's trade committee was recently cancelled due to lingering uncertainty. The EU-U.S. trade deal from last summer still awaits ratification, adding to the delays. Hakverdi is pushing for a stronger agreement—one that shields Europe from future tariff demands and sudden policy changes by the White House.
He has called for closer coordination among EU members to secure a lasting and reliable news framework with the U.S.
The next steps depend on Washington's response to Hakverdi's conditions. Without clearer assurances, formal negotiations remain stalled. Europe's strategy now focuses on unity and patience, aiming to limit the impact of unpredictable U.S. trade measures.
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