Germany ready to retaliate against U.S. tariffs, says vice chancellor

BERLIN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics Robert Habeck has warned that Germany is prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs if the United States proceeds with new import duties on German products.

Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, Habeck emphasized the need for an independent approach to U.S. trade relations under President Donald Trump.

Habeck said Germany should approach the new U.S. government with "an outstretched hand" but not allow the hand "slapped away without limits." "We should not crawl in submissiveness," he added.

Habeck outlined Germany's readiness for potential tariff measures, noting that the country is fully aware of the steps required should such action become necessary. "We don't want to take that step, as it would harm our bilateral relationship and threaten economic prosperity," he said.

President Trump, in his second term, has intensified pressure on key trading partners, reassessing global trade relationships. While threats of new tariffs have been issued, no formal measures have yet been introduced.

Habeck, also the minister in charge of Germany's climate action, took the opportunity to address the broader implications of Trump's climate policies. He criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement during Trump's first term, calling it "fatal" to global climate efforts.

Habeck urged Germany and Europe to continue the leadership in developing low-carbon energy technologies, despite the challenges posed by the U.S. administration.