“In this context, the chancellor will probably also point out that the U.S. tariff policy of course makes de-risking even more problematic, because it puts us in a situation where we are under pressure from two sides,” Röttgen said of the EU’s position.
It may help Merz’s cause that he sounded almost Trumpian last week during his visit to Beijing. After meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Merz bemoaned his country’s ballooning trade deficit with China in language Trump would likely endorse, calling Germany’s trade dynamic with China “unhealthy.”
Whether Merz’s conciliatory tone will work to draw Trump closer on Ukraine and tariffs — the two issues that have most tested transatlantic ties — remains a big question. | Pool photo by Evan Vucci via AFP/Getty Images
Merz may also have some direct leverage to exert in discussions in Washington. Trump is eager for foreign companies to move more of their production facilities to the U.S., including German automotive manufacturing facilities, a U.S. official said last week. A primary focus of their meeting will be deepening the economic cooperation between the U.S. and Germany, the official added.
But given Trump’s steadfast commitment to tariffs, the most Merz may be able to realistically hope for is clarity on the administration’s plans for EU levies — especially in light of the president’s uneven response to the Supreme Court decision that derailed the EU–U.S. trade deal.
German and EU leaders at least want to ensure that tariffs under the new regime will not exceed the 15 percent tariff cap agreed in the summer. “We therefore expect clarity from the U.S. government on the next steps,” Sebastian Hille, a spokesperson for Merz’s government, said last week. “We want to achieve stability and predictability in trade relations. This is essential for us and also for U.S. companies.”
At the same time, Merz will want to ensure there’s no broader escalation in the president’s trade wars.
“The tariff screw can be turned again as a geostrategic tool,” said Hakverdi, Berlin’s transatlantic coordinator. “That is the central problem, and that is precisely why personal exchanges at the highest level are so important.”