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You could make the argument that the Mittelstand has profited from Germany's controlling stake and dominance in the EU. One of the big arguments for non German
by olivermarks 10y ago
You could make the argument that the Mittelstand has profited from Germany's controlling stake and dominance in the EU. One of the big arguments for non German businesses seeking to leave the EU have been perceptions of unfair EU bureaucratic advantage to German businesses at the expense of other member states.
Having said that they have a very good national business model and an excellent culture around vocational training and expertise building.
- throwaway13337 10y agoYes. They are insulated by EU trade tariffs on goods external to the EU. Combine that with the most efficient factories in the EU. They get to provide things that can still beat China after considering the tariffs. In other words, trade barriers strengthened the middle class.
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]
- posguy 10y agoSeems like a net good, I'd rather a strong middle class due to decent trade policies than a "free" market causing severe wealth stratification with the bulk of the populace being poor.
- comicjk 10y agoTariffs on the EU strengthened manufacturing employment in Germany, but many other EU countries don't seem to have much manufacturing and are poorer than Germany, yet still pay those tariffs. That's consistent with the idea that tariffs provide substantial help to a lucky few while levying costs on everyone else.
- throwaway13337 10y agoBut there is manufacturing in those countries too. Those poorer countries are more able to compete with Germany than with China. Cheaper goods are nice but aren't as useful to people without jobs.