Scholz says EU will respond if steel duties are imposed
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Sunday that while Europe remains committed to cooperation with the United States, the European Union will act in unison if Washington pushes ahead with new tariffs on steel and aluminium.
Speaking at the opening of the Hanover industrial trade fair—where Canada is this year’s partner country—Scholz took direct aim at U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist agenda and comments about Canada’s sovereignty.
Canada is “not the 51st state”
Trump has recently referred to Canada as the “51st state” and floated the idea of annexation, prompting Scholz to issue a firm rebuke. “We stand by your side,” Scholz said. “Canada is not a state that belongs to anyone else. Canada is a proud, independent nation.”
Scholz’s comments were met with applause at the trade fair, which brings together major industrial players from around the world.
Response to U.S. protectionism
The chancellor also addressed Trump’s plans for imposing tariffs, reiterating Europe’s opposition to protectionism. “Our answer to ‘my country first’ is more free trade, greater competitiveness and more technological sovereignty,” Scholz declared.
He emphasized that Europe is not naive but also not weak. “Trade wars hurt all sides,” he said. “So I say to the United States: Europe’s goal remains cooperation. But if the U.S. leaves us no choice, such as with the tariffs on steel and aluminium, we as the EU will react as one.”
Scholz’s speech signals growing unease in Europe over the escalating trade tensions sparked by Trump’s aggressive tariff agenda, which has already disrupted global markets and strained transatlantic relations.
