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International trade: Pivot to Asia?

07:20

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Julia Henrichmann
April 16, 2025

The US is still the EU’s most important trading partner, but this could change due to retaliatory tariffs. India is becoming more significant, and European businesses are already investing heavily in China and India.

The debate over US tariffs, particularly under President Trump, has sparked concerns about the global trade order, with European industries feeling the impact. At Hannover Messe, industry leaders discussed the shift toward local production in Asia, with companies like ebm-papst and Harting emphasizing strategies like "local for local" to reduce costs and emissions. While China remains a key trading partner, India is emerging as a significant alternative due to its growing economy, young population, and democratic system, though challenges like bureaucracy and high customs duties persist. Free trade agreements with Asian countries, including India, are becoming increasingly important as multilateral trade frameworks face stagnation. The shift in trade dynamics highlights Asia's growing role in global commerce, driven by innovation and market opportunities.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.

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