70岁的默克尔，微妙时刻，亲自给欧盟留下一条忠告：美国不可怕！

Core Viewpoint - Former German Chancellor Merkel suggests that the EU should not fear US tariffs, providing a new perspective for the EU under pressure from US trade policies [1][3]. Group 1: US Tariff Policies - The US has imposed tariffs of 50% on EU steel and aluminum products, 25% on automobiles, and a baseline tariff of 10% on nearly all other goods, causing panic within the EU [1][3]. - Merkel argues that the ultimate burden of US tariffs will fall on American consumers, as the US economy relies heavily on consumption [3]. - The high costs of US manufacturing and the long-standing hollowing out of its manufacturing sector make it unlikely that tariffs will successfully bring manufacturing back to the US [3]. Group 2: EU's Response and Internal Dynamics - The EU possesses significant market power, with an annual import scale exceeding €2.3 trillion, making it difficult for US companies to ignore this market [5]. - The EU has successfully retaliated against US tariffs in the past, indicating its capability to respond effectively to US trade measures [5]. - However, internal divisions within the EU hinder a unified response, as different countries prioritize their own interests, complicating collective action against US tariffs [5][7]. Group 3: Economic Implications and Future Outlook - EU exports to the US account for about 3% of its GDP, while internal consumption constitutes over 70%, suggesting that the US market is not critical for the EU's economy [7]. - The European Commission estimates that the EU could fill over 40% of potential export gaps in the next five years by collaborating on green energy, high-end manufacturing, and digital regulations [7]. - Merkel emphasizes the importance of EU unity in facing external pressures, advocating for a strong stance against US tariffs to protect economic interests and international standing [7].