Merz says EU will lead in shaping a better offer as global trade rules face pressure

Reuters reports German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the EU would lead in shaping a better offer as free trade and the rules-based trading order come under pressure. Speaking in Seoul on October 30, he said Germany was willing to act with like-minded partners to defend and develop that order. Merz has sought deeper defense and economic ties on his Asia tour amid concerns about US tariffs and China’s state-backed industrial expansion.