Merz commented on the duty deal between the European Union and the United States

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement on the introduction of a 15 percent duty on exports from the EU to the United States, but admitted that he expected big eases as a result of the deal, his words are quoted in a press release of the Cabinet of Ministers of the country.

Earlier, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, following talks with American leader Donald Trump in Scotland, confirmed an agreement to impose a 15 percent duty on almost all exports from the EU to the United States.

"We managed to protect our key interests, although I certainly counted on further easing in transatlantic trade. Stable and predictable trade relations with mutual access to markets benefit everyone on both sides of the Atlantic, both companies and consumers," Merz said.

He welcomed the agreement between von der Leyen and Trump, noting that with the help of the deal it was possible to avoid "unnecessary escalation" in transatlantic trade relations.

"Thanks to the agreement reached, it was possible to prevent a trade conflict that could seriously hit the export-oriented German economy. This is especially true for the automotive industry, in which the current duties will be reduced by almost half — from 27.5% to 15%," he added.

Earlier, Trump, following talks with the head of The EC said that the US and the EU have agreed on a trade deal. According to him, they agreed that the single duty on both cars and all other goods will be 15%.