Germany has issued a warning to its European Union partners about the potential risks of imposing tariffs on major American technology firms. The comments from German Finance Minister Jorg Kukies come amid growing transatlantic tensions triggered by tariffs from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking on Friday, Kukies emphasized the strategic importance of American digital services to Europe’s economy. “We simply have to be cautious with digital corporations because we have no real alternatives to the offering by the American digital industry,” he told reporters, according to the Financial Times.

He noted that while many consumer and industrial products could be sourced globally, critical digital infrastructure—particularly cloud computing and artificial intelligence—is largely dominated by U.S. companies. Kukies suggested that retaliatory measures could backfire by disrupting access to vital services that Europe heavily depends on.

The European Union is currently weighing potential countermeasures as trade tensions escalate in response to new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. Some EU policymakers have proposed digital levies or restrictions on American tech companies as a way to respond to what they view as unfair trade practices.

However, Kukies’ remarks add a layer of caution to the debate, urging fellow EU members to consider the broader economic consequences. He stressed the need for a strategic and calculated approach that safeguards Europe’s technological infrastructure while still addressing trade imbalances.

The statement reflects internal divisions within the EU over how to navigate the growing conflict with Washington without harming Europe's own economic interests. As discussions continue, Germany's stance could influence the bloc’s final decision on whether to target the U.S. tech sector in its retaliation strategy.