Merz to Forge United European Front on Tariffs Before US Trip

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will discuss a joint European response to US tariffs before his Washington visit.
• Merz emphasized that customs policy is an EU matter, not for individual member states, aiming for a common European position.
• President Trump initially imposed an additional 10% tariff, later raising it to 15%, following a Supreme Court ruling.
• The Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's previous duties, which Merz viewed as a positive sign of working separation of powers.
• The new 15% tariff is temporary, lasting 150 days, with exemptions for certain sectors and USMCA goods.