Luxembourg: The German Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, on Monday warned countries of the European Union against taking premature reactions toward the US-imposed reciprocal tariffs, but he simultaneously called for preparing comprehensive countermeasures.

According to Qatar News Agency, Habeck addressed a meeting of European Union trade ministers held in Luxembourg, emphasizing that there is no time pressure; it is the Americans who are under pressure and in a position of weakness. He added that it is imperative for Europe to never allow division.

Habeck stressed that no EU member state should attempt to negotiate in pursuit of special merits for itself, as such actions would be counterproductive. He emphasized that the EU should not only prepare to impose retaliatory tariffs on imports from the United States but should also consider raising the prices of exports on which the United States relies, such as pharmaceutical products.

He further called for examining the potential use of the EU's anti-coercion instrument, which could impose burdens on digital services provided by US technology firms.

Meanwhile, German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said Monday that Germany doesn't want to cause a trade war. He stressed that the objective should be to continue reducing trade barriers, and, of course, Germany must protect its domestic companies from any potential consequences.