Agreement in the commercial dispute: a success, but still no victory

The first agreement in the trade dispute is a success for the President of the European Commission, Mr Juncker: US President Trump has finally agreed to speak in Brussels. But that's just the beginning.

A commentary by Bösche, studio ARD Washington

Jean-Claude Juncker said that he wanted an agreement – and he had a deal. This has been possible because the big donor Donald Trump is currently not so strong when it comes to trading. He wanted to put the world on his knees with higher and higher duties. But now his followers are rebelling in their own country.

Many farmers voted for Trump. Now, they have to watch their trade policies break their markets. Just like his Republicans: they hold their fists tight on many issues, but when it comes to trade, they always hear more criticism from the President

Positive Aspects for Both Sides

Trump needed of an agreement to catch his breath – and he had it: The EU wants to buy more soybeans again. It helps farmers. In addition, conditions must be created so that more LPG can be sold from the United States to Europe. Many Republicans rejoice.

Much more important is what Europeans are getting: higher tariffs on cars are on the ice, tariffs on steel and aluminum need to be checked. All of this is possible because Trump is committed to something that he actually hates: protracted negotiations.

First Victory

There will be discussions on tariffs and barriers to trade in industrial products, talking about common standards, talking about a reform of the World Trade Organization. It sounds complex and so is it. Breath for the economy while the experts sit together.

The meeting between Trump and Juncker was also an important achievement for the European Union: Trump agreed to speak in Brussels. He treated Juncker as a foreign head of government. Europeans can achieve something if they act together. Whether trade or defense – Donald Trump forces Europeans to unity. Even if he does not want to, Trump helps the European project

No real security

There are many positive sides to this agreement, but Europeans should not be too optimistic. In essence, the agreement is that negotiations should begin that will be long and tedious.

If Trump loses patience, he can quickly change his mind and introduce tariffs on European cars. Juncker's visit stopped the spiral, delaying the danger of a trade war. It is not forbidden