German Chancellor Merz stated on February 18 that Germany and Europe would retaliate with equivalent tariffs if the United States imposes high tariffs to pressure Europe further. According to Jin10, Merz emphasized that if the U.S. believes it can violate the agreement reached last August by imposing high tariffs, Germany and Europe will respond in kind. Merz warned that if the U.S. goes too far, Europe is fully capable of self-protection.