The United States' new tariff policy has brought decision-making difficulties to Germany's export-oriented enterprises like BLG Logistics Group, said Matthias Magnor, chief operating officer (COO) of the company, while expressing his confidence that China will be a more important cooperative partner. The BLG, headquartered in the port city of Bremen in northern Germany, is bothered by the U.S. tariff adjustment. Such is also the case for many other local exporters. "In the automotive sector, around 30 percent of our exports and imports depend on the United States. For the company, our clients and us employees, it is difficult to make an appropriate response to the tariffs," said Magnor. Magnor said the BLG called for strengthened free trade worldwide as the U.S. tariff policy is impacting the global supply chain. He said it is unrealistic for the U.S. to force its manufacturing industry to return in a short period of time through tariff measures. "The customers are now thoroughly restructuring their supply chains and seeking for a higher proportion of local procurement in their production. However, this won't happen overnight. It will take one, two or even three years," said the COO. Magnor said the U.S. tariff policy will not affect his company's expansion of global business, highlighting the importance of the Asian market, including China, to the company's business development. "Seventy percent of our company's business is related to other regions of the world, and Asia plays a prominent role. I firmly believe that China will become a more important partner in the future. At present, the share of China's automotive logistics accounts for 5 percent of our business. I often visit China and feel very surprised and delighted by the development of China's auto production in recent years. And I believe that the share of Chinese products in the European market will also increase significantly in the future," he said. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The BLG currently has over 100 sites and more than 10,000 staff members worldwide. Its terminal in Bremen is also the largest in Germany and a leading vehicle loading and unloading terminal in Europe. Over the past two decades, many enterprises in Bremen have continuously expanded their presence in the Chinese market and strengthened their trade link with China. The size, potential and business environment of the Chinese market have become a source of their confidence in deepening cooperation with China. SHOTLIST: Bremen, Germany - May 21, 2025 1. Various of port scenes, facilities, vessels; 2. SOUNDBITE (German) Matthias Magnor, chief operating officer, BLG Logistics Group (ending with shot 3): "In the automotive sector, around 30 percent of our exports and imports depend on the United States. For the company, our clients and us employees, it is difficult to make an appropriate response to the tariffs."; 3. Various of signs of BLG Logistics; 4. Various of trucks transporting cars on road; 5. SOUNDBITE (German) Matthias Magnor, chief operating officer, BLG Logistics Group: "The customers are now thoroughly restructuring their supply chains and seeking for a higher proportion of local procurement in their production. However, this won't happen overnight. It will take one, two or even three years."; 6. Various of cars to be exported at port; 7. SOUNDBITE (German) Matthias Magnor, chief operating officer, BLG Logistics Group (starting with shot 6): "Seventy percent of our company's business is related to other regions of the world, and Asia plays a prominent role. I firmly believe that China will become a more important partner in the future. At present, the share of China's automotive logistics accounts for 5 percent of our business. I often visit China and feel very surprised and delighted by the development of China's auto production in recent years. And I believe that the share of Chinese products in the European market will also increase significantly in the future."; 8. Truck transporting autos; 9. Various of cars to be exported, vessels at port. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]