The United States' new tariff policy has brought decision-making difficulties to Germany's export-oriented enterprises like BLG Logistics Group, said Matthias Magnor, chief operating officer (COO) of the company, while expressing his confidence that China will be a more important cooperative partner.
The BLG, headquartered in the port city of Bremen in northern Germany, is bothered by the U.S. tariff adjustment. Such is also the case for many other local exporters.
"In the automotive sector, around 30 percent of our exports and imports depend on the United States. For the company, our clients and us employees, it is difficult to make an appropriate response to the tariffs," said Magnor.
Magnor said the BLG called for strengthened free trade worldwide as the U.S. tariff policy is impacting the global supply chain.
He said it is unrealistic for the U.S. to force its manufacturing industry to return in a short period of time through tariff measures.
"The customers are now thoroughly restructuring their supply chains and seeking for a higher proportion of local procurement in their production. However, this won't happen overnight. It will take one, two or even three years," said the COO.
Magnor said the U.S. tariff policy will not affect his company's expansion of global business, highlighting the importance of the Asian market, including China, to the company's business development.
"Seventy percent of our company's business is related to other regions of the world, and Asia plays a prominent role. I firmly believe that China will become a more important partner in the future. At present, the share of China's automotive logistics accounts for 5 percent of our business. I often visit China and feel very surprised and delighted by the development of China's auto production in recent years. And I believe that the share of Chinese products in the European market will also increase significantly in the future," he said. The BLG currently has over 100 sites and more than 10,000 staff members worldwide. Its terminal in Bremen is also the largest in Germany and a leading vehicle loading and unloading terminal in Europe.
Over the past two decades, many enterprises in Bremen have continuously expanded their presence in the Chinese market and strengthened their trade link with China. The size, potential and business environment of the Chinese market have become a source of their confidence in deepening cooperation with China.
U.S. tariffs bring decision-making difficulties to German exporters: COO
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
