Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On the 19th, several major German industry associations and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy jointly criticized the US government's renewed threat to impose tariffs on European countries, arguing that this move would not only impact European industries but also backfire on the US economy itself. Currently, relevant German associations are calling on the EU to respond strongly, countering US coercion with measures such as imposing retaliatory tariffs.
Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (DAAD), pointed out that the new round of tariffs on European exports will be costly for Germany and the EU, especially given the current complex situation, causing significant losses to German and European industries. He called on EU headquarters to coordinate a "wise" response.
The Federation of German Industries (FDI) stated that the US tariff threat severely pressures transatlantic relations and is detrimental to all parties. FDI President Peter Leibinger emphasized that additional tariffs will impact European businesses and harm the US economy and consumer interests; closure and disruption of cooperation will only lead to economic marginalization; the US's attempt to achieve reindustrialization by withdrawing from international cooperation is pure fantasy; and the EU's consideration of imposing retaliatory tariffs or using anti-coercive tools is justified.
Volker Treier, an expert at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explicitly opposed linking controversial political goals with economic sanctions, calling it completely unacceptable. Bertram Kafrat, president of the German Engineering Federation, warned that if the EU conceded, it would only embolden the US to make more unreasonable demands.
A research report released on the same day by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany also corroborated the negative impact of tariffs. Based on an analysis of over 25 million shipments worth nearly $4 trillion between January 2024 and November 2025, the study showed that the additional costs incurred by the US tariffs would be borne primarily by domestic importers and consumers, rather than foreign exporters.
The report pointed out that the additional $200 billion in tariff revenue to be levied by the US government in 2025 would be "almost entirely paid for by Americans," contradicting the US claim that "tariffs are borne by foreign and overseas exporters." Tariff costs will first impact US importers and wholesalers, then be passed on to manufacturers and retailers, ultimately either being absorbed by the relevant entities themselves or passed on to consumers, leading to rising prices and limited supply in the US market.
