EU and U.S. can still avoid trade conflict - German economy minister

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany believes there is a chance that the European Union and the United States could avoid a dispute over planned U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from morphing into a wider trade conflict, its economy minister said on Monday.

"Both Secretary Ross and I have the impression that decisive talks will take place this week and that it is possible to reach a solution that averts a difficult trade conflict," Peter Altmaier told reporters in Washington after talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

"This is not sure but I think with good will from both sides there is a chance that we could have a positive signal by the end of the week," he added, referring to talks on Tuesday between Ross and European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

 

(Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Alison Williams)