Germany's export association says Europe should not be intimidated U.S. tariff threat

July 12 (Reuters) - Europe should not be intimidated by Donald Trump's negotiating tactics, Germany's exporters' association said on Saturday, after the U.S. President threatened to impose 30% tariffs on imports from August 1.

The Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services, or BGA, said it was not surprised by Trump's statement, saying it was a "well-rehearsed" part of his negotiating strategy.

"Europe must not allow itself to be intimidated by this, but must soberly seek a solution at the negotiating table on equal terms," said BGA President Dirk Jandura.

"Those who deliberately use the global economy as a plaything for their own political agenda ultimately harm their own economy and their own population," he added.

In the long term, Europe must become more independent from the American market, Jandura said.