Christian Dustmann appeared live in the studio of the German news channel WELT Fernsehen on the programme Börse am Abend to comment on the newly presented Koalitionsvertrag outlining the policy agenda of the new coalition between CDU, CSU, and SPD.
Dustmann welcomed the general direction of the agreement, particularly its focus on tax relief, deregulation, and digitalisation, but noted that “many of the important framework points are there—but how they will be implemented remains to be seen.” He emphasised that Germany’s economic renewal hinges on turning these plans into concrete, effective measures.
The discussion then shifted to the escalating trade conflict between the United States and China. Dustmann warned of the indirect risks for Germany as a major export nation, particularly if Chinese goods—redirected due to U.S. tariffs—flood European or shared export markets. He also highlighted the growing pressure from China’s electric vehicle industry, which is building massive production capacity aimed at global markets.
Regarding the European Union’s cautious initial response to U.S. tariffs, Dustmann suggested that the measured approach could be strategic, but it remains uncertain whether it will influence the US government. He noted that previous research shows China has successfully redirected exports during past tariff disputes—developments likely to repeat.
In the closing segment, the host pointed to growing pressure on Donald Trump from domestic critics, including prominent business voices and donors, and speculated whether backlash from his MAGA base might ultimately shift his stance on tariffs. Dustmann responded that while resistance is building, Trump’s unpredictability and long-standing views on tariffs make the outcome hard to forecast.
