17.12.2025 - The US high-tariff policy contravenes WTO rules, creates legal uncertainty, and massively disrupts global supply chains. This uncertainty strains long-term trade and investment decisions and threatens strategic corporate planning.

The high tariffs are expected to persist over time, hitting the export-oriented German economy hard. Business with the US is becoming increasingly complex for German companies. Even the tariff dispute agreement reached in August provides limited planning certainty. Therefore, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry has developed clear guidelines around which the EU and Germany should strengthen transatlantic economic relations as well as a more resilient Europe from the German economy's perspective.

On this subject, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) has today published the DIHK Position Paper "Tackling Challenges – Strengthening Transatlantic Trade" endorsed by the Presidium.

Volker Treier, DIHK's Foreign Trade Chief, states:

"The USA is Germany's most important export market. However, the high-tariff policy and additional trade barriers endanger the foundations of our economic ties, burdening companies heavily. We now need clear signals for free and fair trade. The impact of the US tariff policy is strongly felt within the German economy: tariffs, sometimes unprecedented in scale, and bureaucratic requirements lead to planning uncertainty and hinder investments on both sides of the Atlantic.

At the same time, pressure is growing on the EU, both to advance trade policy negotiations and to compete in international location competition. Our export-oriented companies require a strong, resolute European Union that reduces dependencies and strengthens its competitiveness. Planning security instead of tariff chaos – this is the essential precondition for more investments and jobs. The Federal Government must work together with the EU to establish reliable framework conditions and firmly reject economic coercion.

Despite all challenges, the USA remains one of our most important trading partners – with great potential for deeper cooperation, especially at the state level. There are clear priorities for companies: reducing tariffs, eliminating trade barriers, and preserving European sovereignty. This is the only way to make the transatlantic partnership future-proof."

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DIHK Position Paper: Transatlantic Trade .pdf (only available in German)