Exports in danger: US tariffs are forcing German companies to rethink!

Exports in danger: US tariffs are forcing German companies to rethink!

The current trade figures show a mixed outcome for the German export industry. According to that Federal Statistical Office Exports increased by 0.8 percent in June 2025 compared to the previous month. Year-on-year, the increase is even 2.4 percent. Despite this positive development, the business landscape in Germany faces many challenges.

Melanie Vogelbach from the DIHK emphasizes that the new US tariffs leave companies “no time to breathe a sigh of relief”. Export figures to the USA have fallen and are at their lowest level since the corona pandemic. This development is supported by a DIHK flash survey, which shows that 54 percent of companies with US business plan to trade less with the USA. In addition, 26 percent of companies have reduced or put their investments in the USA on hold.

Fears of new burdens from US customs policy

Helena Melnikov, General Manager of the DIHK, describes the survey results from August 6th and states that only 5 percent of the companies surveyed expect positive effects from the customs agreement with the USA. In contrast, 58 percent of companies fear new burdens. What is particularly worrying is that 74 percent of companies with direct US business find US tariff policy burdensome.

Companies report higher tariffs, increasing bureaucracy and a decline in competitiveness. 72 percent of the companies surveyed in the survey are already feeling negative effects of US trade policy. Nine out of ten companies with direct contact with the USA report adverse effects. In particular, the planned increase in the US base tariff rate from 10 to 15 percent is perceived as a burdensome measure.

Market expansion strategies

The uncertainty caused by US trade policy is a key concern for 80 percent of companies. In order to escape the tense situation, almost two thirds of German companies have begun to increasingly look for new markets. In this context, the EU internal market is becoming increasingly important as it appears to be more stable compared to the American market. Exports in the EU internal market increased by 2.4 percent compared to the previous month, which is drawing the attention of entrepreneurs to this market.

Melnikov calls on politicians to create stability and predictability in economic and trade policy orientation. The EU should also quickly implement new trade agreements with countries such as Mercosur, India and Indonesia in order to strengthen the international trade order. The economy is faced with the challenge of making the necessary adjustments while ensuring competitiveness.