Berlin(Reuters) - Germanyhas taken note of U.S. PresidentDonald Trump's decision to postpone the imposition of Steeland aluminum tariffs on the European Unionand, in principle, still expects a permanent exemption, Deputy Government SpokeswomanMartina Fietzsaid.
"Neither the European Unionnor the United Statescan have an interest in an escalation (in tensions) in trade relations," Fietz added in a statement. "Rather, both the U.S. and the EU would benefit from further deepening trade relations."
"It is particularly important that the European Unionhas sought talks with the United Statesand will continue to do so."
The White Housesaid on Monday Trump had postponed the imposition of Steeland aluminum tariffs on Canada, the EU and Mexicountil June 1, and reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australiaand Brazil
The Presidentof Germany's DIHK Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Eric Schweitzer, said: "The extended respite offers the opportunity to defuse the trade conflict.
"The current situation shows that we need a fresh start for a comprehensive, Transatlantic Tradeagreement," he added in a statement.
On Monday, German EconomyMinister Peter Altmaiersaid he saw little chance of reviving the stalled U.S.-European trade deal known as the Transatlantic Tradeand Investment Partnership(TTIP). "A new edition of TTIP is not realistic now," he said.
(Writing by Paul Carrel, Editing by Alison Williams, William Maclean)
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