BERLIN (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Thursday he was hopeful that trade talks between the United States and the European Union would yield a good outcome after the two sides agreed to move to ease the threat of a transatlantic trade war.

“I am optimistic that we can get a good result in the coming weeks and months,” said Altmaier, adding that the two sides had agreed not to talk in public about the threat of tariffs on U.S. car imports while talks were taking place.

He also said it was good that tariffs on aluminum and steel were being looked at again so there was a chance that they may be abolished.