Inside Germany: Hard-hitting tariffs, cherry blossoms and spring time festivities
As I write, news about backlash to Trump's latest tariffs – which were levied against most countries in the world including, strangely, an uninhabited island near Antarctica – is dominating German media headlines.
The blanket tariff of 20 percent on all EU imports comes following a previously announced 25 percent tariffs on foreign cars and steel and aluminium. These are expected to deal a devastating blow to the auto industry, which represents more than 750,000 jobs in Germany, and has already been struggling with increased foreign competition as well as navigating the transition to producing more electric vehicles.
Reactions from both German industry leaders and politicians
have been mixed
. Maybe too mixed, in fact, with some calling for immediate backlash and others cautioning against reactionary measures.
The German auto association (VDA), for example, managed to do both at the same time, saying, 'The EU is now called upon to act together and with necessary force, while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate."
One thing that everyone does agree on: this looks to be the beginning of a new era for Germany - US trade. The WTO Director-General has said the move could trigger a trade war, while the German Economic Institute believes the move could cost Germany around €200 billion over the next four years.
If Germany and the EU do end up going forward with retaliatory tariffs, the cost of US products would likely rise, which may also encourage more Germans to personally
boycott goods from the US.
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Tweet of the week
Fixed it for you, @Bild.
[image or embed]
— Fridays for Future Germany (
@fridaysforfuture.de
)
3 April 2025 at 09:25
Germany is in the midst of a drought, and following a warm and dry winter water levels in the Rhine River are at an historic low for this time of year.
The Rhine River is an important in-land shipping lane for cargo ships in Germany.
Reporting on the looming economic impacts of the drought, the
BILD
newspaper ran a headline this week that read, 'Low Rhine level threatens German economy'.
Friday's for Future Germany didn't miss their chance for a tongue-in-cheek response, telling
BILD
they fixed the headline to read, 'Climate crisis threatens German economy'.
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Experts say that human caused climate change has made extreme weather like droughts worse and more common around the world.
Where is this?
Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Federico Gambarini
You can find cherry blossoms and magnolia flowers in full bloom in German cities around the country at this time of year. But this iconic flower-gazing location gets a top mention in travel blogs and guide books every year.
This is Heerstraße in Bonn, which, along with Breitestraße, is
arguably Germany's best location
to be overwhelmed by pink and white blossoms in early April. Other breathtaking places to admire the fleeting petals include parts of the Berliner Mauerweg near Bornholmer Straße and Düsseldorf's House of Japanese Culture.
READ ALSO:
Eight unmissable events happening in Germany in April 2025
Spring has sprung
This week has brought some pleasantly warm weather and blue skies to much of Germany, offering residents a chance to catch a bit of sun.
While parts of eastern Germany will see
temperatures drop again through the weekend
, it won't be long before they climb again.
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In the meantime, you wont want to miss your chance to indulge in some of the spring-time traditions that Germany has to offer.
April is a good month for painting Easter eggs with the family,
visiting your local folk festival
or
foraging for wild herbs
in the nearby woods -- don't miss your chance to do so now, or else you'll need to wait a whole year before the opportunity comes again.
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