Chapter 2650 Negotiation and Compromise 2
"But your country has also increased tariffs on imported food and raw materials from the United States." Lansing said.
"Can we both lower it to the original standard at the same time?" the crown prince said with a smile.
If taxes are reduced at the same time, then the United States will definitely lose money. The reason is very simple. If Germany must obtain necessary copper mines or other raw materials from the United States before or during the war, then what raw materials does the now unprecedentedly expanded German Empire have? Can't satisfy yourself? So, now the problem is that even if tariffs are reduced, the competitiveness of U.S. raw materials will be significantly weakened.
As for the products exported from Germany to the United States? In terms of most chemical products, especially synthetic dyes, Germany is the best in the world. Even during World War I, Germany's large submarine trade used dyes in exchange for products from other countries. This aspect has formed a huge advantage for American products. Americans will definitely suffer after tariffs are lowered.
As for the automotive field? Although, the Ford Model T reduced the price of cars to a very low level and ushered in an era. But in this dimension, Germany's automobile industry has reached several levels higher than in history due to government support and the stimulation of the war. In addition, after the war, all classes of society received a large amount of war profits, so they also had the idea and ability to buy cars. The large-scale expansion of the empire's territory also caused a surge in social demand for cars. Therefore, in this era, Germany Although the scale of the automobile industry is not as large as that of the United States, the gap is not huge.
In terms of personal car sales, Germany has an advantage in exporting cars to the United States, and this advantage comes more from the fact that German cars are targeting the high-end segment. The Ford Model T is cheap, but its uniform styling cannot meet the needs and vanity of the American middle class and above!
Vehicles produced in Germany, designed for special groups in different styles, and full of European aristocratic style are extremely attractive to Americans of this era. After all, if a rich man said that the car I bought was the same car as the Bavarian royal family, it would definitely be a special honor. It is several levels higher than a simple Ford Model T car. The star effect or aristocratic style has existed since ancient times. It can be compared to the luxury goods of the French.
The Crown Prince understands these issues, and so does Lansing! He knows that if everyone lowers tariffs, the United States will definitely suffer. But having said that, this time, the Americans are at a disadvantage in negotiations. How is it possible to get things done without suffering any losses?
This time, it was the Americans who begged the Germans to do something. Although the Americans had considered buying the warships they needed from Italy or even France, it was a pity that without the support of the Germans, these two countries would definitely not be able to get the U.S. People need a fast fleet. It will take at least more than a year for South Dakota to be converted into a fast battleship and then put into service. How do you expect the Americans to survive this period? Will the war start after a year? Don’t you know that during the war, a huge amount of money was spent every day? And who knows how the war situation will change in a year's time? These uncertain factors have led Americans to simply dare to bet!
"We can discuss this issue,
We can first lower the tariff on cars. " Lansing hesitated and said. After all, the cars imported from Germany are considered luxury goods, and the demand is relatively limited. Chemical products are bulk products. This gap cannot be opened easily, so it is better to take it slow first. .
"Yes, in return, we will prepare corresponding warships for your country to choose. If selected, maintenance and modifications can be carried out on an optional basis. Of course, if your country does not require modifications, we can also send personnel to pick up the ships first. Come here for a part and then conduct preliminary training." the crown prince said.
"We need to obtain these battleships as soon as possible. Time is everything. If it is too late and the United States' own fast battleships are in service, then these battleships will not be necessary. I think you should understand this very well, right?" Lan Xin said.
"The choice is in your hands. As long as the agreement has not been finalized, you can decide whether to buy it or not." The crown prince seemed indifferent to this.
"In addition, we need more aircraft engines and Wolf tanks, and if possible, we hope to purchase production lines and product production licenses." Lansing said.
"Aviation engines can continue to be provided according to your requirements, but the production authorization of the Wolf tank may be a bit troublesome. After all, this is the core equipment of the Imperial Army, and the diesel engine technology involved is also a core technology. In the short term, your country does not have the ability Produce products of the same level,” the crown prince said.
"Then buy the complete vehicle first. We may need more than 700 Wolf tanks and related accessories and services in the future, and they must be modified for tropical operations." Lansing said.
“Of course we can do this,” the crown prince said.
At this stage of the negotiation, the big guys have set the tone, and what is left is all kinds of technical discussions. So far, the result of the meeting has not exceeded Lansing's expectations. The Germans really want to use this opportunity to knock on the United States. Once, however, they didn't mind providing equipment to the United States. Instead, they were strictly guarded against directly sending a fleet to provide assistance. This made Lansing very surprised and even a little annoyed, because somehow, it seemed that the Germans underestimated the combat effectiveness of the US Navy? The Germans just make it clear that even if they give you the best equipment, you will not be able to compete with the German Navy!
But there is no way. The performance of the U.S. Navy in the last battle was indeed a bit embarrassing. Su Xiong's fleet was indeed the MVP of the last battle. This is a fact that cannot be changed. So, Lansing thought for a while and decided to tentatively ask Ruprecht about his views on future wars.
"Admiral Scheer said that the Japanese may conduct ocean-going operations to break diplomatic relations in the future. What do you think of this issue?" Lansing asked.
"That is for sure, and it will be implemented soon. Maybe when you wake up in Germany these days, you will be able to see the news that a certain transport fleet has been attacked in the Pacific." The Crown Prince said very calmly.
"Uh, that's not it. The Japanese didn't move that fast, did they? Their fleet just suffered heavy damage." Lansing said.
"Rhetorical arguments are actually meaningless. War is a very scientific and serious matter. It is actually a science, just like a formula. It is necessary to explain some results to you at a certain time. I will find things very difficult. Why don't we wait and see? Maybe you can solve these problems yourself?" the crown prince said with a smile.
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