Comments from Germany's economy minister Altmaier:

  • US-EU agreement should abolish all tariffs for industrial goods
  • China and Europe are economic partners but also competitors
  • German companies need level playing field in China, will raise issue in talks in Beijing this week
  • Europe and China agree that WTO's body for dispute settlement must continue to work despite US block
  • Protection of IP and steel overcapacity must also be discussed with China

Lots of the usual talking points there but what stands out for me is the German desire for a trade deal with the US.