When President Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on Monday, he followed through with one of his many campaign promises, but with a key partnership now crumbling, Germany’s leaders are eyeing this opening as a major economic opportunity.
“it will open opportunities for us”
In an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper, set to hit newsstands on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel commented on the possibilities that surround Trump’s new America first approach. With the country starting a trade war with Asia and South America, Gabriel says “it will open opportunities for us”.
While the U.S. is technically Germany’s largest export nation, Gabriel made it clear that Europe and other countries around the world collectively account for much more. “You can see the weight of our economic interests,” Gabriel said in his interview after calling attention to the fact the U.S. accounts for less than ten percent of Germany’s total exports. “Germany should act with self-confidence and not be fearful or servile.”
