Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Germany, Europe's largest economy, was ready to take over a greater leadership role on future trade agreements as the United States and the EU race to reach a trade deal before a July 9 deadline.

The American administration, he said, is open to discussion, listens, and is willing to accept differing opinions.

Merz avoided a contentious exchange with President Trump of the kind that befell his peers from South Africa and Ukraine.