Germany's business community is keeping a close eye on German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Washington on Friday. Many businesses are concerned they will be adversely affected by the latest round of US sanctions against Russia, especially when it comes to the country's automotive industry. CGTN's Ira Spitzer has more from Berlin.  

Germany exports more cars than any other nation in the world. But the country's powerful automotive industry - and other German businesses - have a lot at stake when German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Potential negative economic impact from Washington's latest round of sanctions against Russia - over alleged election tampering and other things - have many here worried.

ANDREAS METZ GERMAN COMMITTEE ON EASTERN EUROPEAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS "The American government wants the Russian government to change, but why does the European economy have to suffer because of that."

The Russian firm Rusal accounts for much of Germany's aluminum supply, a major component in vehicles. Its founder and largest shareholder was placed on Washington's sanctions list at the beginning of the month. Washington recently extended the deadline to sever ties with Rusal until October. But German firms are still very worried about potentially catastrophic supply side disruptions.

FRANZISKA ERDLE GERMAN NON-FERROUS METALS ASSOCIATION "This has an effect not only on the aluminum industry here. This has an impact all the way through the whole supply chain. Aluminum is a part of many industries."

Developments in the Rusal situation have already caused dramatic swings in the price of aluminum in recent weeks. German businesses aren't the only ones paying close attention.

IRA SPITZER BERLIN Russia has threatened retaliation to the latest round of U.S. sanctions but hasn't actually announced anything. That may be because they are waiting to see what comes out of Merkel's meeting with Trump.

Germany's metal industry association is hoping the leaders' meeting will de-escalate the situation. Their chief concern is to maintain the relationship with Rusal's refinery in Aughinish, Ireland.

FRANZISKA ERDLE GERMAN NON-FERROUS METALS ASSOCIATION "We would like that Aughinish with its aluminum production will be recognized as being of system importance, and granted a permanent exemption."

That exemption would help keep the German auto industry rolling along. Ira Spitzer, CGTN Berlin.