Germany's Merz says he told Trump they negotiate trade with Spain or not at all

WASHINGTON, March 3 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday said he told Donald Trump that Spain could not be excluded from a trade agreement reached with the European Union, following the U.S. president's threat to halt all trade with Spain.

Merz, speaking to reporters after a meeting and lunch at the White House, said he told Trump that Spain was part of the EU and any trade deals must include it.

He said the EU should sign and implement its trade agreement reached with the United States last year, underscoring the need for a fair, lasting solution that eliminated current uncertainty about tariff rates.