IFO's Fuest: I'm Skeptical of Trump Protectionism

The transcript discusses Germany's concerns about potential US protectionist policies under Donald Trump, with skepticism about their impact on Germany. It highlights the importance of US-Germany trade relations and speculates on the effects of US economic policies, such as reflation and interest rate changes, on the German economy. The discussion also touches on the potential future economic scenarios and the time it might take for Trump's policies to materialize.

What is the speaker's stance on the potential for a protectionist U.S. policy under Donald Trump?

• The speaker is optimistic about it.

• The speaker is skeptical about it.

• The speaker is indifferent to it.

• The speaker fully supports it.

What does the speaker suggest regarding Trump's engagement with Europe?

• To avoid any engagement with Europe.

• To immediately impose tariffs on European goods.

• To give Trump a chance to engage and understand mutual interests.

• To focus solely on the Pacific Free Trade Agreement.

How might a reflationary U.S. economic policy affect German exports?

• It could lead to a trade war.

• It could decrease German exports.

• It could have no impact on German exports.

• It could increase German exports.

What is the current status of the U.S. as an export market for Germany?

• The U.S. is a minor export market for Germany.

• The U.S. is Germany's most important export market.

• The U.S. has no trade relations with Germany.

• The U.S. is a declining export market for Germany.

What potential economic changes in the U.S. are discussed in the final section?

• A decrease in interest rates and a shrinking economy.

• A stable dollar value and a balanced current account.

• An increase in the dollar value and a growing current account deficit.

• A decrease in the dollar value and a surplus in the current account.