GERMANY - Germany has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump, blaming his stiff import tariffs for destroying the EU’s largest economy, adding Europe would not bow to US pressure regarding Iran. The US President has triggered a bitter trade war with the likes of Europe, China and Canada by imposing huge import tariffs on a number of goods, including steel and aluminium.
He has accused them of unfair trade practices and insists the tariffs are aimed at protecting American jobs. Speaking to German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier took aim at the US President, claiming consumers were taking the brunt of his import tariffs because they are driving up prices.
He said: “This trade war is slowing down and destroying economic growth - and it creates new uncertainties.” Last week, Mr Trump piled pressure on EU leaders by warning that if they ignore the newly imposed sanctions on Iran, they can forget about trading with the US.