German Chancellor Merz states EU will lead in shaping better global trade offers amid protectionist pressures.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the European Union intends to take the lead in shaping better offers for global trade, as the rules-based trading order faces pressure from rising protectionism, including concerns over US tariffs and China's state-backed industrial expansion. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Seoul on Friday, October 30, Merz emphasized Germany's willingness to work with like-minded partners to defend and develop the global economic order.