2018.03.1120:02:00UTC+00Germany, China Caution Trump Tariffs Imposition Jeopardizes Global Trade

Germany criticized a decision by President Donald Trump to hit U.S. metal imports with heavy tariffs, stating that Europe required a united response to the threat and resounding the disapproval from China that it risked negative repercussions on the global trade system.

On Thursday, Trump signed an order imposing import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum set to become effective in 15 days, though Washington opened the door to some exclusions the following day, giving in to the pressure from some ally countries.

German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said in an email statement that Trump's policies are threatening the order of a free global economy. She added that Trump does not want to understand its structure, and in the process puts prosperity, growth and employment at risk.

She also said that Europe needed to avoid being divided by Trump's offer to exempt some allies such as Mexico, Canada and Australia.

Meanwhile, earlier in Beijing, Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said that any trade war with the U.S. would only have a negative impact on the world economy.

On Saturday, the European Union and Japan called on the U.S. to grant them exemptions from the tariffs.