further to the United States recent
imposition of a 25% tariff on imported
vehicles President Donald Trump has
issued stern warnings to both the
European Union and Canada against
coordinated retaliatory measures he
cautioned that any joint efforts by
these entities to counteract US tariffs
would be met with far larger levies
emphasizing that such actions would be
considered attempts to inflict economic
harm on the United States
on his truth social platform Trump
stated "If the European Union works with
Canada in order to do economic harm to
the USA large-scale tariffs far larger
than currently planned will be placed on
them both in order to protect the best
friend that each of these countries has
ever
had." Despite these warnings German
officials have openly expressed
solidarity with Canada and signaled
readiness for a unified response today
at the opening of the Hanover Industrial
Trade Fair German Chancellor Olaf
Schultz addressed recent developments in
international trade and geopolitical
relations the fair which this year
features Canada as its partner country
served as a platform for Schultz to
emphasize the importance of cooperation
and mutual respect among nations in
response to US President Donald Trump's
remarks about annexing Canada and
referring to it as the 51st US state
Schultz underscored Canada's
sovereignty canada is not a state that
belongs to anyone else canada is a proud
independent nation expressing solidarity
with Canada amidst these assertions
schultz issued a cautionary note
regarding potential US tariffs on steel
and aluminum he stated that while Europe
seeks cooperation it is prepared to
respond collectively if such tariffs are
imposed highlighting that trade wars are
detrimental to all parties
involved europe wants to cooperate with
the United States but the EU is ready to
respond as one if Washington leaves it
no choice by imposing tariffs on steel
and aluminium
schultz also addressed the broader
implications of protectionist policies
advocating for increased free trade
enhanced competitiveness and
technological sovereignty as preferable
alternatives he emphasized that Europe
is neither naive nor weak and stands
ready to act in unison if provoked by
unilateral trade
measures this is not the first time
Germany's leadership opposed Trump on
March 27th Schultz criticized Trump's
decision to impose tariffs on cars
stating "US President Trump's decision
is wrong the US has chosen a path at
whose end lie only losers since tariffs
and isolation hurt prosperity for
everyone." He underscored the commitment
of Germany and the European Union to
defend free trade highlighting its
foundational role in their economic
success these statements come in the
context of recent tensions including
Trump's contemplation of annexing
Greenland and Canada which have drawn
international attention and
concern schultz's remarks highlight a
commitment to upholding international
law and the inviability of national
borders canada and Germany have been
actively strengthening their trade
relations especially in light of recent
global trade tensions and the need for
diversified economic partnerships
a significant milestone in Canada
Germany trade relations is Canada's role
as the official partner
country 2025 the world's leading
industrial technology trade fair
scheduled from March 31st to April 4th
2025 this partnership provides a
platform for up to 250 Canadian
companies to showcase their innovations
in advanced manufacturing technologies
to a global audience
this collaboration underscores the
deepening economic ties between the two
nations and highlights Canada's
commitment to green digital and
resilient manufacturing solutions in
response to the US administration's
tariff threats Canada and Germany have
intensified efforts to diversify their
trade
relationships canadian companies and
diplomats are collaborating with
European counterparts to explore new
business opportunities and reduce
reliance on US markets chvin Bellman
Germany's ambassador to Canada
emphasized the importance of creating
new business avenues and diversifying
trade to mitigate the impact of US trade
policies the Canada European Union
comprehensive economic and trade
agreement often referred to as CEDA has
been instrumental in enhancing trade
between Canada and Germany provisionally
in effect since 2017 CEDA has
facilitated increased bilateral trade by
reducing tariffs and fostering economic
integration the German Bundistag's
ratification of CEDA in December 2022
further solidified this commitment
signaling a positive trajectory for
future trade relations as of 2023 Canada
exported approximately 6.16 billion
worth of goods to Germany
key exports included iron ore at $995
million crude petroleum at $576 million
and packaged medic at $429 million over
the past 5 years Canadian exports to
Germany have grown at an annualized rate
of
$6.36% reflecting a strengthening trade
relationship beyond trade Canada and
Germany have a robust history of
collaboration in science and research
since the signing of the German Canadian
Intergovernmental Agreement on
scientific and technological cooperation
in
1971 over 1,000 bilateral collaborations
have been established among research
organizations universities and the
private
sector these partnerships have fostered
innovation and knowledge exchange
further cementing the strong ties
between the two countries in the energy
sector Canada and Germany have
established a hydrogen alliance to
facilitate the trade of hydrogen and its
derivatives between the two
nations this initiative aims to have
initial exports by 2025 contributing to
both count's goals of transitioning to
cleaner energy sources and reducing
carbon emissions overall Canada and
Germany continue to build a multifaceted
partnership leveraging opportunities in
trade technology and energy to navigate
the evolving global economic
landscape since December 2024 tensions
between Canada and the United States
have escalated due to President Donald
Trump's repeated suggestions of annexing
Canada as the 51st US state initially
perceived as jest these remarks have
gained gravity over time particularly
with the imposition of tariffs and other
economic
measures in December 2024 during a
meeting with Canadian officials
President Trump suggested that Canada
consider becoming the 51st US state
referring to Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau as Governor Justin Trudeau of
the great state of Canada
while initially dismissed as a joke
Trump's continued references to
annexation have raised concerns among
Canadian leaders on February 1st 2025
President Trump signed executive orders
imposing 25% tariffs on all Canadian
goods excluding oil and energy exports
which faced a 10% tariff
these measures were justified by the
administration as efforts to reduce the
US trade deficit and compel Canada to
enhance border security against illegal
immigration and drug trafficking trump
suggested that Canada could avoid these
tariffs by becoming the 51st US state
stating "We need to protect Americans
and it is my duty as president to ensure
the safety of
all." The annexation rhetoric has
significantly influenced Canadian
politics prime Minister Justin Trudeau
warned that Trump's suggestions should
be taken seriously citing US interest in
Canada's vast mineral
resources transport and internal trade
minister Anita Anand emphasized the
inviability of the US Canada border
trudeau convened business and labor
leaders to strategize responses to
Trump's tariff threats and the broader
implications for Canada US relations
trump's annexation and tariff threats
have triggered a powerful surge of
Canadian nationalism since January 2025
uniting citizens across the political
spectrum in defense of national
sovereignty and identity this patriotic
wave has manifested in both grassroots
movements and official policy decisions
reshaping Canada's cultural and economic
landscape
widespread boycott of American
manufactured goods began shortly after
President Trump's February announcement
of sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports
the boycotts have been fueled by calls
from local leaders and viral social
media campaigns encouraging Canadians to
buy Canadian and avoid US-based
brands major grocery chains apparel
retailers and even coffee shops have
reported increased demand for domestic
alternatives some stores have started
labeling products with made in Canada
tags more prominently while others have
designated special shelves or sections
for Canadianmade
goods cultural tensions have spilled
into public spaces as well canadian fans
at hockey and basketball games have been
booing the US national anthem or
choosing to remain seated in silent
protest a rare expression of political
disscent in Canada's traditionally
sportsneutral arenas
this form of protest has drawn
international attention and has become a
talking point in US media where
reactions range from confusion to
outrage a powerful symbol of this
resistance emerged from an Ottawa based
branding company that launched a line of
red baseball caps bearing the phrase
Canada is not for
sale the design intentionally mimics the
iconic Make America Great Again caps
popularized by Trump turning his own
branding against him the caps quickly
became a viral hit with celebrities
politicians and ordinary citizens
dawning them in defiance of what they
see as American
overreach the movement gained
significant momentum when Ontario
Premier Doug Ford was spotted wearing
the cap during a press conference on
economic resilience ford typically seen
as a pro business conservative with
historically warm ties to the United
States called Trump's annexation
rhetoric dangerous and delusional and
urged Ontarians to support Canadian
workers his public endorsement of the
nationalist gear signaled a turning
point making the cap not only a cultural
statement but also a bipartisan
political symbol social media campaigns
using hashtags like # handsoff Canada
#notforale and #Mapler have trended
repeatedly in Canada and
internationally schools and community
groups have held rallies and educational
forums emphasizing Canadian history
sovereignty and values the government
has even announced funding for a
nationwide public campaign celebrating
Canadian independence and resilience in
the face of foreign
pressure internationally President
Trump's expansionist rhetoric has raised
concerns his proposals to annex Canada
purchase Greenland and take control of
the Panama Canal have been viewed as a
departure from traditional US foreign
policy
analysts caution that these threats may
be more than bluster warning of
potential destabilizing effects on
global geopolitics the relationship
between the United States and Germany
has experienced significant strain due
to the Trump administration's overt
support for Germany's far-right
alternative fur Deutseland AFD party
this backing has been manifested through
high-profile engagements and public
endorsements by key US officials and
allies leading to heightened diplomatic
tensions between the two nations in
February 2025 US Vice President JD Vance
met with Alice Widel the leader of the
AFD during the Munich Security
Conference this meeting broke a
long-standing taboo in German politics
as mainstream parties have traditionally
maintained a firewall against the far
right vance's discussions with Widle
covered topics such as the war in
Ukraine and German domestic
politics if you're running in fear of
your own voters there is nothing America
can do for you this engagement was
perceived as an unprecedented
intervention in Germany's political
landscape and drew sharp criticism from
German officials
elon Musk a prominent US entrepreneur
and senior administration official has
recently engaged in actions that have
sparked significant controversy and
condemnation in January 2025 Musk
addressed a rally for Germany's
far-right alternative fur Deutseland AFD
party via video link urging Germans to
move beyond their focus on past guilt
associated with the Holocaust
further exacerbating the situation Musk
attempted to downplay the controversy by
posting a series of Nazi themed puns on
his social media platform X formerly
Twitter he wrote "Don't say hes to Nazi
accusations some people will gerbles
anything down." Referencing prominent
Nazi figures Rudolph Hess and Joseph
Gerbles these actions have led to a
broader backlash a coalition of Jewish
organizations in the United States and
Canada announced plans to cease
engagement on X in response to Musk's
conduct additionally some asset managers
have faced pressure from Jewish
investors to divest from Tesla Musk's
electric vehicle
company musk's endorsement of the AFD
has also been met with political
criticism german Chancellor Olaf Schultz
warned that Musk's support for the
far-right party endangers European
democracy despite the AFD's
controversial and extreme views Musk's
backing has helped the party gain
mainstream attention increasing its
popularity the Trump administration's
support for the AFD has had tangible
effects on German politics
in the February 2025 federal election
the AFD doubled its support becoming the
second largest party in the Bundesag
friedri Merritts leader of the
center-right Christian Democratic Union
or CDU and poised to become Germany's
next chancellor accused President Trump
of indifference to Europe's plight and
criticized Washington's interference in
the
election we are under massive pressure
from both sides and my absolute priority
now is to establish unity in Europe the
Trump administration's alignment with
the AFD reflects a broader strategy of
supporting right-wing European movements
that challenge liberal democratic values
and transatlantic
alliances this approach has led to
increased anti-American sentiment in
Germany and has complicated diplomatic
relations the administration's actions
are seen as undermining Germany's
democratic norms and have prompted calls
for Europe to strengthen its autonomy in
defense and foreign policy
the United States remains a critical
market for Germany's automotive industry
with motor vehicle exports to the US
totaling approximately $25.6 billion in
2024 these exports account for a
significant share of Germany's overall
trade and are central to its
manufacturing economy
german automakers such as Volkswagen BMW
and Mercedes-Benz have long depended on
the American consumer market which
represented more than 13% of all German
vehicle exports last year however the
announcement by US President Donald
Trump in March 2025 to impose a 25%
tariff on imported cars and selected
auto parts has sent shock waves through
the German economy set to take effect on
April 3rd these tariffs are framed by
the Trump administration as a move to
protect US manufacturing and reduce
trade
imbalances trump himself declared the
tariffs would be permanent and added
that he couldn't care less about price
hikes on foreignade cars a comment that
sparked outrage in German political and
business
circles finance Minister Jerk Cukis
warned that the tariffs would deliver a
blow not just to Germany's economy but
also to US consumers and workers he
stressed the importance of transatlantic
cooperation and called for urgent
dialogue to prevent an escalation into a
full-blown trade
war economists estimate that German car
exports to the United States could drop
by as much as 30% as a direct result of
the tariffs the increased costs are
likely to be passed on to consumers
making German vehicles less competitive
in the US market
at the same time the tariffs on auto
parts threaten to disrupt global supply
chains particularly for German companies
that assemble vehicles in North America
using components imported from Europe
financial markets have already responded
to the
uncertainty shares of major German
automakers fell sharply following
Trump's announcement with investors
expressing concern over the long-term
consequences for the industry the German
Association of the Automotive Industry
or VDA issued a statement warning of job
losses and reduced innovation capacity
if the tariffs
persist industry insiders are concerned
not only about immediate financial
impacts but also about potential damage
to Germany's reputation as a leader in
highquality automotive engineering the
broader economic implications for
Germany are considerable
the auto industry employs nearly 800,000
people in Germany and contributes around
5% of the country's GDP a prolonged
downturn in exports could trigger ripple
effects across other sectors including
steel electronics and
logistics in anticipation the German
government is reportedly exploring a mix
of domestic stimulus measures and
intensified trade negotiations through
the European Union to mitigate the
fallout many in Germany view Trump's
actions as part of a broader strategy of
economic coercion aimed at fracturing
the European Union and asserting
American
dominance the tariffs combined with
recent overtures from the Trump
administration to farright political
groups in Europe have led to a
reassessment in Berlin of the
reliability of the United States as an
economic and strategic
partner as the April tariff deadline
approaches pressure is mounting on both
sides to find a resolution while Europe
has pledged to respond collectively if
provoked the prospect of retaliatory
tariffs threatens to escalate the
situation
further for Germany the challenge is now
to defend its economic interests without
deepening transatlantic rifts that could
have lasting consequences for global
trade and geopolitical
stability what do you think write your
view in the
comment that's all for this video thank
you for watching we sincerely appreciate
you joining us today if our content
resonated with you or sparked
inspiration please consider expressing
your support by liking it and
subscribing to stay connected with our
community your support holds immense
value for us you can watch another video
of our channel which is now on the
screen
