German Chancellor Scholz: 'Trump is attacking the global trade order'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has accused US President Donald Trump of attacking the global trade order, noting that Trump's decision on customs tariffs is fundamentally wrong and that the global economy will suffer as a result.

Scholz evaluated the imposition of tariffs on 185 of the country's trading partners in line with the decree signed by US President Trump during a press conference at the Chancellery following his meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, who is visiting Germany.

Assessing the comprehensive customs duties announced by Trump as a serious economic mistake, Scholz expressed that Trump's tariff decision is fundamentally wrong and that the global economy will be negatively affected by it.

'THE GLOBAL ECONOMY WILL SUFFER'

Accusing Donald Trump of attacking the trade order, Scholz stated, "This is an attack on the trade order that creates prosperity all over the world and is essentially the result of American efforts. As a result, the entire global economy will suffer."

Emphasizing that the European Union (EU) has the world's most powerful single market with 450 million consumers, Scholz said, "This gives us the power to hold talks with the US government to prevent a trade war."

Olaf Scholz stated that Europe will continue to defend free trade, adding, "We are committed to cooperation, not conflict. We will defend Europe's interests. Europe will respond to the US decision in a united, strong, and appropriate manner."

CONCERNS OF A WIDESPREAD TRADE WAR

US President Donald Trump signed the decree imposing customs duties on all products imported into the US on April 2, 2025.

Within the scope of the decree signed by Trump, it is envisaged that tariffs will be imposed on many of the US's trading partners. Tariff rates range between 10 and 50 percent.

In this context, it is planned to impose a 20 percent tariff on the European Union, 34 percent on China, 46 percent on Vietnam, 32 percent on Taiwan, 24 percent on Japan, 26 percent on India, 25 percent on South Korea, 36 percent on Thailand, 31 percent on Switzerland, 32 percent on Indonesia, 24 percent on Malaysia, 49 percent on Cambodia, 30 percent on South Africa, 37 percent on Bangladesh, and 17 percent on Israel, which are among the partners from which the country imports.

A 10 percent customs duty is envisaged for some countries, including Turkey, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand, Trump also detailed the previously announced 25 percent automobile tariffs, which are planned to come into effect on April 4.

These tariffs will affect other parts such as pickup trucks, engines, lithium batteries, tires, and shock absorbers.

This situation, which could lead to a global economic slowdown, has increased concerns that a widespread trade war could break out.

Many trading partners, including the EU, have already announced countermeasures.

With these customs duties, Trump aims to combat the US's ongoing trade deficit and generate revenue.

Economists have warned that customs duties could slow down the global economy, increase the risk of recession, and increase the cost of living for an average US family by thousands of dollars.

It is stated that Trump's latest decision on trade tariffs could further reduce the strength of the world economy, which is barely recovering from the post-Covid-19 inflation rate increase, crushed under a record debt burden, and pressured by geopolitical tensions.