German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the 30% import duties threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump on goods from the European Union would strike “to the core” of Germany’s export-driven economy. In an interview broadcast by public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Merz said the duties, scheduled to take effect on 1 August if no agreement is reached, would force Berlin to shelve other economic priorities. Merz said he has intensified diplomacy to avert the tariffs, speaking with Trump last Friday and holding weekend calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Chancellor urged unity within the EU and “reasonable” talks with Washington, noting that previous U.S. tariff threats had sometimes been resolved at the negotiating table. The European Commission has postponed the enactment of its own counter-measures until the start of August as discussions continue. Merz indicated that, absent a deal, Europe would consider reciprocal actions but “not before 1 August.” Germany is the bloc’s largest exporter, and a 30% levy on its shipments to the United States would represent the most severe trade confrontation between the allies in recent years.