Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on 24th August that Germany should look beyond the recently agreed trade deal between the United States and the European Union. This deal imposes 15% tariffs on EU goods. Merz suggested finding new trade partners in the coming years.

Speaking at a government Open Day in Berlin, Merz questioned how world trade would function. He highlighted the scenario where the US might cease following World Trade Organisation rules. “We should search for partners in the world that share our thinking,” he said.

Merz, leader of the conservative CDU party, currently holds an approval rating of 25%. This is level with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), according to an INSA poll published by Bild. The US-EU trade framework was brokered on 28th July between US President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

While acknowledging the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with the US, Merz noted that Germany may have avoided worse outcomes in the deal. He suggested new trade opportunities could open up in South America, Asia, and Africa. Merz stressed that these must deliver mutual benefits. “We must consistently go down that road,” he added.

Beyond trade, Merz also pointed to domestic issues. He said Germany’s social security systems — including employment, pensions, and health benefits — must be reformed by the end of the year. This is necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. “We have to make our social security systems fit for the future,” he said.

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