Berlin, Germany. Germany must seek new partners in response to a changing global order and strained relations with the United States, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said on Tuesday, citing painful import tariffs.
Call for new partnerships
Reiche said alliances Germany has trusted and relied on were beginning to crumble, speaking at the Handelsblatt energy summit. She said this did not mean abandoning existing alliances, but continuing to work together while also seeking new partners.
Reiche highlighted South America, India, the Middle East, Canada and Australia, as well as countries in Asia including Malaysia.
Uncertainty over U.S. role and tariff impact
Her comments reflected growing uncertainty over the future role of the United States after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on key allies such as Canada and the European Union.
Growth outlook and sustainability concerns
Reiche said new economic alliances would also be important for boosting Germany’s economy, Europe’s biggest. She said Germany expected two years of growth only due to debt-funded investments in defence and infrastructure.
“We are talking about 1 per cent, 1.5 per cent,” of gross domestic product growth, she said. “This is not sustainable.”
Expected revision to government forecast
A person familiar with the matter said last week that the German government was expected on Wednesday to lower its 2026 growth forecast to 1.0 per cent from 1.3 per cent, while growth in 2027 was seen at 1.3 per cent.
Which regions do you think Germany will prioritise most as it seeks new economic partners?