Germany Plans Measures to Counter Unfair Global Competition

(MENAFN) Germany’s government is preparing to consider new measures aimed at protecting domestic industries from unfair competition in international markets, Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil says.

Klingbeil says safeguarding Germany’s steel, automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors remains a major priority for the government.

“I support free trade, and I advocate for Germany consistently pushing for a rules-based order. However, when we see others failing to play by the rules, we cannot afford to be naive,” he said.

The issue is discussed during a two-day Cabinet retreat, where ministers assess Germany’s economic position and consider ways to strengthen the country’s competitiveness.

“We have held a very serious debate about where we need to improve in order to reposition ourselves economically, as well as how we face competition – and, above all, the unfair competition we are increasingly encountering,” he said.

“In this regard, we have agreed to discuss appropriate measures in the Cabinet soon,” Klingbeil added.

The government’s discussions come as German businesses and political figures increasingly call for stronger responses to practices they consider harmful to fair competition, with particular attention focused on China.

German industry representatives and politicians argue that Chinese companies benefit from extensive state subsidies, currency policies that affect market competition, and export restrictions influenced by political considerations.

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