German Chancellor Merz discussed the postponement of the ratification of the EU-US trade agreement and the importance of the agreement with Mercosur, highlighting the challenges related to customs duties.

At a press conference in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the delay in ratifying the EU-US trade agreement, which has been influenced by Trump's threats regarding tariffs for certain European states. Although the American president has withdrawn this threat, Merz emphasized that unresolved issues related to tariffs on aluminum and steel remain. He mentioned that the agreement reached in July 2022 favors the US, imposing a 15% tariff on European products imported into the US, without tariffs on imports from the US into the EU. Merz highlighted that uncertainty over these tariffs affects trade and investments.

Additionally, Merz thanked Romania for supporting the trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur and expressed hope that it will come into force soon. The agreement with Mercosur is considered vital for revitalizing the German industry, but raises concerns for European farmers, who fear competition from South American agricultural products. The European Commission will decide whether the agreement can be provisionally applied, pending the decision of the CJEU. Regarding the EU-US agreement, ratification remains suspended, and MEPs will assess the situation in future meetings.