The German government does not expect that the current exemptions for EU states from the new US tariffs on steel and aluminum products will be extended. According to government circles shortly before the journey of Chancellor Angela Merkel to Washington, it can be assumed that the tariffs will apply as of May 1st.
US President Donald Trump had introduced the new tariffs in April. Relying on national security, the US has since imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum. The EU and six other countries have been exempt from the tariffs for the time being. In addition to the EU, China, India and Russia complained about tariffs to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
