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German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

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German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

2025-03-15 16:39 Last Updated At:22:27

German experts have warned of a looming trade war between Europe and the United States after the Trump administration imposed 25 percent tariffs on steel products imported from the European Union.

Starting from Wednesday, the U.S. government imposed 25-percent tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

In response, the European Commission announced on Wednesday that it will impose retaliatory tariffs on 26 billion euros (about 28 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. goods from next month.

German experts warned that the retaliatory measures could evolve into a trade war and take heavy toll on consumers on both sides.

"This is just the beginning. The United States will further increase tariffs in April. The European Union has also drawn up a list of goods covering wood, food and other products in response to U.S. tariffs. The situation could escalate and evolve into a trade war. This is bad news for consumers," said Guntram Kaiser, a media professional.

In April, the United States is expected to impose tariffs on all imported cars, which has triggered great concern among the German business community.

German carmaker BMW said on Friday that the U.S. tariffs on cars are estimated to reduce the enterprise's revenue by one billion euros this year, and even lead to "a change in the company's business prospects."

The German central bank said on the same day that the U.S. tariff measures could put Germany in trouble. If the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on Germany, the country is expected to experience an economic recession this year, according to the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Jochen Kockler, organizer of Hannover Messe trade fair, said that the move will not only strike a blow to the German auto industry, but may also trigger a chain reaction.

"As the organizer of the Hannover Messe, I don't support tariffs. I believe in competitiveness and doing what you do best. Of course, if our trading partner decide to impose a 25-percent tariff on our products, Europe will inevitably respond. I think trade retaliation is inevitable," he said.

Faced with the U.S.' protectionist trade policies, German consumers have begun to boycott U.S. products, and various related initiatives have emerged in the country.

According to the latest survey conducted by a polling agency commissioned by Handelsblatt business daily, 51 percent of respondents said they had bought fewer U.S. products, and stayed particularly cautious when choosing U.S. brands in supermarkets.

Economists warn that the ultimate cost of the trade war will be borne by global consumers and companies.

The Germany-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy said that the U.S. tariff policy on steel and aluminum products has little direct impact on the EU economy, but its chain reaction may endanger the stability of the supply chain, leading to reduced investment and increased employment risks.

German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

German experts warn of potential trade war between Europe, USA following Trump tariffs

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China sends 11th group of medical experts to Ethiopia

2025-05-17 22:01 Last Updated At:22:37

A Chinese medical team left China on Saturday heading for Ethiopia, where they will offer technological assistance and support to talent development in the country's healthcare sector over the next 12 months.

The 14-member team includes experts in clinical medicine, medical technology, hospital administration, and logistical support.

Mainly selected from the First Hospital Affiliated to the Army Medical University (AMU) in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the team members possess extensive experience in medical practice and management.

During the mission, the experts will help the country's military hospitals to enhance medical service capacity, promote the application of new technologies, strengthen hospital operations, train professional personnel, and support the establishment of healthcare management systems, thereby contributing to the improvement of local medical services.

"I feel deeply honored by this mission, and I'm fully aware of the responsibility it carries. We are committed to carrying forward the spirit of China's overseas medical teams, which features tenacity, dedication, commitment to saving lives, and love that knows no borders, and will apply our skills for the benefit of the Ethiopian military and civilians," said team member Guo Hao from the AMU.

Since 2015, the AMU hospital has dispatched 11 batches totaling more than 100 medical experts to Ethiopia.

Their efforts gave strong support to achieving notable progress in medical facility construction, and technological and talent development in the country's healthcare sector.

China sends 11th group of medical experts to Ethiopia

China sends 11th group of medical experts to Ethiopia

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