"Instead of relief, many German companies report primarily one thing: additional concerns," summarised DIHK Chief Executive Helena Melnikov regarding feedback on the survey published on 6 August. Economic relief through the customs agreement is nearly non-existent: only 5% of surveyed businesses expect positive effects. More than half (58%) fear new burdens. Among companies with direct US business, three quarters (74%) express these concerns as well.

For the economy, a "bitter pill"

"This agreement might have been politically necessary, but it is still a bitter pill for many companies in Germany," says Melnikov. "Additional burdens instead of relief: higher tariffs, increased bureaucracy, and reduced competitiveness." Especially problematic: "It is unclear whether this compromise will even last. Nothing is guaranteed: this is why the European Commission urgently needs to push for real economic improvements in further negotiations."

Because approximately three-quarters of surveyed companies (72%) already experience negative effects of previous US trade policies – many of them severely. Particularly businesses with direct US operations face a grim reality: nine out of ten respondents already see negative impacts. The most significant burden for these companies is the ongoing trade policy uncertainty – especially concerns over further tariff measures. 80% cite this as a central issue. Almost as many, 72%, find the current US base tariff of 10% and the announced increase to 15% significantly impacts their operations.

Planning uncertainty freezes investments

Trade policy uncertainties significantly affect the global market strategy of German businesses: 54% of surveyed businesses with direct US operations indicate they aim to reduce trading with the United States. 26% minimise or halt investments in the USA.

Higher customs costs in US business impact companies beyond Germany. Among businesses reporting adjusted handling of customs costs, 84% pass at least part of the additional expenses onto their US customers. This further fuels inflation in the USA. "US customs policy benefits no one: it harms businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic," warns Helena Melnikov.

Facing current challenges in US business, nearly two-thirds of German companies increasingly explore new markets. For approximately three-quarters (73%) among them, the European single market gains significance as a stable and predictable economic area. The Asia-Pacific region and other European countries outside the EU also come into focus. Additionally, markets such as Mexico and Canada are becoming more attractive.

Partnership between the EU and the USA needs reliability

"Despite all challenges, the transatlantic market remains indispensable for the German economy," concludes DIHK Chief Executive Melnikov. "Businesses need a reliable course now." Instead of constant policy shifts, stability – both economically and in trade policy – must prevail. Her appeal to politicians: "Reliability and predictability must again be the foundation of the transatlantic partnership – symbolic politics at the expense of businesses jeopardise exactly that. The USA must not become an economic Pandora's box."

The full results of the DIHK USA quick survey can be found here for download: DIHK Business Survey on US Trade Policy 2025 (PDF, 14 MB)(only available in German)