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Customs dispute with the USA pushes German exports to their lowest point!
The effects of the customs dispute with the USA will have a significant impact on the German export industry in April 2025.
Customs dispute with the USA pushes German exports to their lowest point!
The customs dispute with the USA placed a heavy burden on the German export economy in April 2025. Loud South German newspaper German companies exported goods worth 131.1 billion euros, a decrease of 1.7 percent compared to the previous month and 2.1 percent compared to the previous year. Exports to the USA, which is considered Germany's most important trading partner, are particularly worrying. These only amounted to 13 billion euros in April 2025, the lowest value since October 2024.
The seasonally and calendar adjusted figures show that exports to the USA fell by 6.3 percent compared to April 2024. The start of 2025 saw a surge in exports as many companies brought forward their operations ahead of US President Donald Trump's new tariff policies. Nevertheless, there is a slight increase of 0.2 percent in German exports for the period from January to April 2025.
Introduction of new tariffs
At the beginning of April 2025, Trump presented a comprehensive tariff package that provides for a significant increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the USA. The tariffs are to be doubled from 25 to 50 percent, which will have a significant impact on trade with Germany. In addition, there is still no agreement between the USA and the EU on the level of mutual tariffs. These uncertainties and rising tariffs are seen as the main reasons for the declining export figures.
The German economy is therefore facing major challenges, which are intensified by the aggressive tariff policy of the USA, which has been intensified particularly under Trump. According to a report by Manager Magazine The ongoing uncertainty in trade relations could further hinder Germany's economic recovery.
Overall, everything indicates that trade relations between Germany and the USA will continue to be burdened by these developments in the coming months. Businesses face a continued decline in exports while policymakers are challenged to find solutions to ease trade tensions.