In Professor Gassebner's view, the constant shifts in Trump’s economic policy pose a major challenge for companies and political decision-makers. The widespread notion that US tariffs would primarily harm foreign companies is mistaken, as US consumers will face steeper prices for imported goods when costs of the tariffs are at least partially passed on. Nonetheless, such measures could have tangible consequences for export-oriented companies in Lower Saxony. These include Volkswagen, numerous suppliers to the automotive industry, and steel manufacturers, all of which would be affected by continued tariffs. Not all companies, however, will come under equal pressure; Salzgitter AG, for example, only exports a small proportion of its production to the USA.
Considering the possible reactions from the EU, Professor Gassebner sees negotiations with the US government under Trump as less effective and believes that controlled economic countermeasures are necessary in certain cases. But there are no simple solutions: many companies in Europe are heavily dependent on US technologies. While a complete boycott is unrealistic, increased consumer support for European products can send a clear economic signal—similar to what has been seen in Canada, where there is already a deliberate shift away from US-made goods. In the long term, Professor Gassebner also sees opportunity in the turbulence of US policy. It could prompt the EU to pursue greater independence and build new strategic partnerships. Trump's policy could thus provide the impetus for a strong, sovereign European economic strategy.
