(Repeat from the weekend)BERLIN - The Federation of German Industries (BDI) criticizes the agreement in the tariff dispute between the European Union and the USA.

(Repeat from the weekend)

BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The Federation of German Industries (BDI) is criticizing the agreement in the tariff dispute between the European Union and the United States. "The agreement is an inadequate compromise and sends a fatal signal to the closely intertwined economies on both sides of the Atlantic," the association said in Berlin. The EU is willing to accept painful tariffs, because even a rate of 15 percent would have immense negative effects.

"The only positive aspect of this agreement is that a further spiral of escalation has been averted for the time being," commented the Federation of German Industries (BDI). What is crucial now is that the agreement becomes binding. Companies on both sides of the Atlantic need planning security for supply chains and investments. An "additional blow" is that there is now no agreement on steel and aluminum exports.