The trade ministers of the EU member states are meeting in Brussels today. They discuss plans supported by Germany to increase the control of investments by state actors from countries such as China, as well as the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO). At lunch, the ministers then discuss the further course of action in the unresolved trade conflict with the United States.
US President Donald Trump accuses the EU of unfair trading practices on a number of products. In June, he imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum and also threatened to impose car imports. In July, both sides agreed to talk about an agreement on manufactured goods. It is uncertain whether these lead to success and prevent US car duties, which would hit mainly German manufacturers.
