Key economic partner

Transatlantic economic relations are a significant driver of growth and employment in Germany and the US. Total trade volume amounts to around 250 billion euros, with approximately 10 percent of German exports destined for the US. Conversely, around 6,000 German companies have created almost one million jobs in the US, with their investments reaching around 530 billion euros.

However, the significant rise in US tariffs, additional trade barriers and legal uncertainties are having a negative impact. While the agreement between the EU and the US in August 2025 prevented further escalations in the short term, it only provides limited planning security. 

US market with many hurdles

Barriers in the US market for German companies:
 

• US import tariffs of at least 15 percent and up to 200 percent
• Further tariffs of varying amounts are planned – including on semiconductors, medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients, processed critical minerals, aircraft and jet engines, polysilicon and its derivatives, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), wind turbines, robotics and industrial machinery, personal protective equipment, medical consumables, and medical devices.
• Complex customs procedures
• Access to public procurement procedures: Buy America
• Restrictions on maritime services (Jones Act)
• Abolition of the de-minimis rule for duty-free imports into the US
• Restrictions in the field of aviation
• Visa requirements
• Localization requirements in the USMCA trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada

The paper is available for download here:
DIHK Position on Transatlantic Trade (PDF, 454 KB)