Germany supports proposals by the EU to increase tariffs on foreign steel as the bloc struggles with cheap imports, especially from China, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday.

"These proposals are a step in the right direction," Merz said following talks with key steel industry players in Berlin.

The EU in October floated plans to double tariffs on foreign steel -- taking a leaf from US President Donald Trump's book to shield the bloc's struggling industry from cheap Chinese exports.

The bloc's executive proposed hiking levies on steel imports to 50 percent and slashing the volume allowed in before tariffs apply by 47 percent.

"I will support these proposals to the best of my ability and hope that appropriate regulations will be put in place," Merz said.

The EU strategy mirrors th

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