Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might've missed. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.
As I write, news about backlash to Trump’s latest tariffs – which were levied against most countries in the world including, strangely, an uninhabited island near Antarctica – is dominating German media headlines.
The blanket tariff of 20 percent on all EU imports comes following a previously announced 25 percent tariffs on foreign cars and steel and aluminium. These are expected to deal a devastating blow to the auto industry, which represents more than 750,000 jobs in Germany, and has already been struggling with increased foreign competition as well as navigating the transition to producing more electric vehicles.
Reactions from both German industry leaders and politicians have been mixed. Maybe too mixed, in fact, with some calling for immediate backlash and others cautioning against reactionary measures.
The German auto association (VDA), for example, managed to do both at the same time, saying, “The EU is now called upon to act together and with necessary force, while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate."
One thing that everyone does agree on: this looks to be the beginning of a new era for Germany - US trade. The WTO Director-General has said the move could trigger a trade war, while the German Economic Institute believes the move could cost Germany around €200 billion over the next four years.
If Germany and the EU do end up going forward with retaliatory tariffs, the cost of US products would likely rise, which may also encourage more Germans to personally boycott goods from the US.
Tweet of the week
Fixed it for you, @Bild.
— Fridays for Future Germany (@fridaysforfuture.de) 3 April 2025 at 09:25
[image or embed]
Germany is in the midst of a drought, and following a warm and dry winter water levels in the Rhine River are at an historic low for this time of year. The Rhine River is an important in-land shipping lane for cargo ships in Germany.
Reporting on the looming economic impacts of the drought, the BILD newspaper ran a headline this week that read, “Low Rhine level threatens German economy”.
Friday’s for Future Germany didn’t miss their chance for a tongue-in-cheek response, telling BILD they fixed the headline to read, “Climate crisis threatens German economy”.
Experts say that human caused climate change has made extreme weather like droughts worse and more common around the world.
Where is this?
Comments