Group 1 - Germany's Prime Minister Merz announced a shift in trade policy towards China, supporting increased tariffs on Chinese steel imports, marking a departure from previous free trade positions [1][3] - In 2024, the EU steel industry is expected to cut 18,000 jobs, including at major companies like Thyssenkrupp, due to the influx of cheap steel from the US and rising energy prices [3] - Merz's stance reflects Germany's response to the changing global trade environment, with 75% of German companies in China expecting to be affected by US tariffs, and 57% concerned about potential Chinese retaliation [5][6] Group 2 - Increasing tariffs on Chinese steel may protect the domestic steel industry in the short term but could raise production costs for key sectors like automotive and machinery, which are vital to the German economy [8] - There is a notable divide between the German political and business sectors regarding China, with businesses advocating for reduced geopolitical risks while politicians lean towards protectionism [8] - The shift in Germany's trade policy signifies a complex balancing act between protecting domestic industries and maintaining economic cooperation with China, which will impact bilateral relations and the broader global economic landscape [10]
默茨终于下决心，准备对中国钢铁加征关税，英媒：德国完全变了