Foreign trade president: Trump's tariff policy will persist

The Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) is dampening hopes that US president Donald Trump will change his tariff policy following the Republican defeat in the midterm elections. “For foreign trade, the results of the US congressional elections initially change nothing,” BGA president Dirk Jandura told the Rheinische Post newspaper. Foreign trade policy remains largely shaped by the US president. “He can continue to act much more freely here than in future domestic policy.”

Trump holds far-reaching powers. Furthermore, the protectionist US trade policy is not solely a project of the MAGA movement. “Many Democrats are also sceptical of free trade,” Jandura emphasised. “We must expect Trump's tariff policy to remain in place for the time being – despite all the negative consequences for American consumers as well.”

Jandura: Germany must take action itself

In the US midterm elections, the Democrats achieved a clear victory, winning the majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. While the Democrats could launch investigations through Congress, increase political pressure and attempt to restrict the president's statutory powers, Jandura explained, “However, this would require corresponding majorities and, if necessary, overriding a presidential veto.”

“Europe's problems will not be solved in Washington”

Employers' association president Rainer Dulger also warned against excessive euphoria following the US congressional elections. “The Americans have voted, but Europe's problems will not be solved in Washington. We must take our competitiveness into our own hands,” Dulger told the news portal t-online.

“We want more trade, more investment and close cooperation,” Dulger said. “However, a partnership of equals requires both sides to be economically strong. Those who lose economic weight also lose political influence.” Therefore, Germany and Europe must do their homework by massively reducing bureaucracy, relieving the burden on businesses, facilitating investment and strengthening competitiveness. “How strong Europe is in the future is up to us to decide.”