Europe’s largest economy is starting to consider new moves. News from Germany reports that the state-backed KfW (Reconstruction Credit Institute) has released a report suggesting that tariffs should also be considered as a tool, citing the need to maintain so-called fair market competition.

To put it bluntly, German industry hasn’t been doing well these past two years. The report doesn’t blame everything on others; it admits there are plenty of domestic issues: exorbitant labor costs, excessive regulations, and painfully high energy bills. But then the discussion shifts to point fingers at the industrial policies of other countries.

Right now, there are basically two options on the table: either grit their teeth and push through internal reforms, or copy the protectionist trade practices from across the Atlantic. Judging by the current stance, they might try to do both. The trend of de-globalization is becoming more and more apparent, and everyone is starting to look out for their own interests.