EU-US tariff negotiations in final stage: German chancellor

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday said tariff negotiations between the European Union and the United States have entered their final stage, stressing U.S. tariffs are ultimately harmful to both economies.

An EU spokesperson confirmed that Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic is currently in Washington for intensive talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

These negotiations follow U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to impose a 30 percent tariff on EU exports starting Aug 1. The EU has vowed to take retaliatory measures if the United States proceeds with these tariffs.

At a news conference in Berlin on Friday, Merz said the tariff talks are ongoing regarding potential sector-specific exemptions. He expressed support for the European Commission's efforts to reach an agreement, hoping to reach a "lowest possible tariffs for both sides".

He also warned that the proposed U.S. tariffs would be detrimental to both economies, particularly to the United States in the long term.

The United States is Germany's largest export market. In 2024, Germany exported goods worth 161 billion euros (188 billion U.S. dollars) to the United States, with a trade surplus of nearly 70 billion euros, according to German government data.

The Macroeconomic Policy Institute predicted on Wednesday that the tariffs could halt German economic growth in 2025 and limit it to 1.2 percent in 2026.

EU-US tariff negotiations in final stage: German chancellor

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela