Aiwanger in the USA: Charm offensive in the customs dispute before the deadline!

Aiwanger in the USA: Charm offensive in the customs dispute before the deadline!

On June 28, 2025, the tariff dispute between the USA and the EU faces a critical deadline. This expires on July 9th and could have far-reaching consequences for the European and especially the Bavarian economy. US President Donald Trump plans to impose further tariffs on EU goods if no agreement is reached. In return, the EU has already threatened countermeasures. Bavaria's Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) is traveling to the USA this weekend to seek solutions in a personal dialogue.

This is Aiwanger's second visit to the USA as minister - the first took place in Washington D.C. in 2022 on the topic of hydrogen. instead of. On his trip, Aiwanger plans to visit North and South Carolina to discuss new perspectives for the Bavarian economy. The topics of his visit are primarily energy and mobility issues, with the customs dispute being the focus. Aiwanger warns against an escalation of the conflict and emphasizes the significant negative effects that the planned US tariffs, for example, could have on Bavarian companies.

Economic importance and exports

The problem is urgent: According to figures, exports to America fell by 14.4 percent in April 2025 compared to the same month last year, with vehicle and mechanical engineering particularly affected. Aiwanger emphasizes the need to create understanding for the Bavarian position among political representatives in the USA. After all, the USA was Bavaria's second most important trading partner in 2024 with a trade volume of 41.6 billion euros.

A central point of Aiwanger's visit will be the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is considered BMW's largest production plant. Around 1,500 vehicles are produced here every day, which are exempt from US tariffs but are not protected from EU counter-tariffs. BMW is the largest auto exporter in the United States, which further underscores the importance of these issues.

Political discussions and cooperation

Aiwanger hopes to convince the Trump administration that escalating tariff disputes would ultimately harm the U.S. economy. He appeals to all parties involved to act prudently and look for solutions. This also illustrates his demand on the EU Commission to avoid an escalation in the customs dispute. Aiwanger made the comments after a round table with representatives of Bavarian industrial companies such as BMW, AUDI and Infineon.

At the round table, he particularly warned of retaliatory tariffs in the automotive sector, as many US imports are produced in the USA by companies such as BMW and Mercedes. Aiwanger calls on the federal government and the EU to strengthen the competitiveness of the German economy by reducing costs and bureaucracy, including energy prices, taxes and non-wage labor costs, in order to reduce the burden on companies.

A business delegation accompanies Aiwanger on his trip, including Mark Furtwängler from Bühler Motor in Nuremberg, who emphasizes the importance of trade with Mexico and Canada. Aiwanger wants to create a positive atmosphere to promote dialogue. For this purpose, he even plans to bring a gift for the guests and is also looking forward to the American steaks.

At a time of growing economic tensions, Aiwanger's charm offensive in the USA is an important step to support the Bavarian economy and counteract the impending negative consequences of the tariff dispute. The minister appeals to reason and the importance of international cooperation as a better alternative to another conflict.

For further information on the situation reported BR24 about the developments in the customs dispute. Furthermore, the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy has published further details, which can be found on their website: stmwi.bayern.de.