27.07.2025 - "The German economy can breathe a sigh of relief: the threat of escalation in the trade dispute with the US has been averted. For many companies, this is a much-needed breathing space. The EU was under significant pressure but managed to prevent worse outcomes through the agreement. However, the deal comes at a price, and this price also weighs on the German and European economy.

Many details remain unclear, especially how the announced energy imports and investment commitments will be implemented in practice. What is clear is that the US continues to be an attractive market. German companies invest there out of entrepreneurial conviction, not political calculation. What they need is reliability, both in customs policy and in general economic framework conditions.

The agreement creates short-term stability, nothing more. It is only a first step. Now the EU must continue negotiations with the US to work on a comprehensive, fair, and forward-looking trade agreement. At the same time, the German government and the EU Commission are challenged to draw the right conclusions: we need competitive conditions, reliable policies, targeted investment incentives, and above all, more pace and additional free trade agreements.

Nearly 90 percent of German exports go to other world regions. Markets such as South America, Asia, and Australia hold enormous potential. The Mercosur agreement must finally be ratified, and negotiations with India, Indonesia, and Australia must be pursued with urgency. An export-oriented economy like Germany's needs open markets now more than ever, not new barriers.”