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Lower tariffs, eliminate trade barriers and maintain European sovereignty: These are essential cornerstones from the perspective of German companies to make trade and investment across the Atlantic more reliable and competitive.
In its position 'Addressing challenges — Strengthening transatlantic trade', the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) summarized the ten most important goals in December 2025 that the German government and the EU should pursue.
Central economic partner
Transatlantic economic relations are a significant factor for growth and employment in Germany and the USA: The total trade volume is around 250 billion euros, about ten percent of German exports go to the USA. Conversely, nearly 6,000 German companies create close to one million jobs on the other side of the Atlantic; their investments in the United States amount to around 530 billion euros.
We need clear signals now for free and fair trade
Dr. Volker Treier
-- Chief of Foreign Trade | Member of the Executive Board
However, the drastically increased US tariffs, additional trade barriers, and legal uncertainties act as obstacles. The agreement between the EU and the USA from August 2025 has prevented further escalations in the short term but provides only limited planning security.
US market with many hurdles
Barriers in the US Market for German Companies
US import tariffs of at least 15% and up to 200%.
Additional planned tariffs, varying in amounts, on semiconductors, medicines and pharmaceutical substances, processed critical minerals, airplanes and jet engines, polysilicon and its derivatives, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), wind turbines, robotics and industrial machines, personal protective equipment, medical consumables, and medical devices.
Customs formalities.
Access to public procurement processes: Buy America.
Restrictions on maritime services (Jones Act).
Abolition of the De Minimis rule for duty-free imports into the USA.
Restrictions in aviation.
Visa requirements.
Localisation requirements in the USMCA trade agreement between the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Accordingly, a large proportion of companies in this country currently regard US trade policy as the biggest challenge in doing business with the USA. The following approaches could ensure more legal certainty and reliable processes, thereby strengthening the foundation for investments on both sides of the Atlantic.
10 Proposals from the DIHK
Starting point:
The agreement of 21 August 2025 prevents further tariff escalations, yet remains asymmetric. Additional duties on steel, aluminium, and copper continue to strain supply chains.
Measures:
- Proportional reduction of special tariffs, at minimum quota regulations; a maximum of 15 percent tariff on derivative products.
- Expansion of product lists for which mutual most-favoured nation duties apply.
- WTO-compliant solutions and clear fallback options in case commitments are not met.
Businesses face issues due to inconsistent customs practices, unclear rules of origin, and non-transparent processes.
Background: Diverging technical requirements, labels, and regulations increase costs.
Measures:
Enhanced regulatory cooperation based on international standards like those of the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission; mutual recognition wherever possible
Better market access in the services sector; reduction of sector-specific restrictions
Faster, legally secure investment reviews by designating Germany as an "Excepted Foreign State" within the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
Encourage additional US states to join the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Government Procurement
Context:
Unilateral measures with extraterritorial effect create legal uncertainty
Actions:
- Focus EU rules on the internal market, avoiding extraterritorial application
- When violating international sovereignty, protect European interests using appropriate EU instruments
- Ensure legal certainty for data exchange and fair competition conditions
Initial Situation:
High dependencies on non-European providers; need for trustworthy digital infrastructure
Measures::
- Promote open, interoperable standards; invest in cloud infrastructure, data spaces, key technologies, and skilled personnel
- Reduce bureaucracy, strengthen innovation-friendly framework conditions, especially for startups and SMEs
- Digitally empower administration and systematically promote digital skills in education
Overlapping due diligence obligations, deforestation rules, raw material, and climate requirements increase complexity.
Measures:
- "Small Yard, High Fence" principle: clearly defined protection area, considering European competitiveness
- Clear, coherent, and practical export controls; harmonization without unilateral disadvantages for EU companies
Acting jointly with partners increases negotiating power towards the USA.
Energy partnerships must connect security of supply, climate goals, and competitiveness.
Initial situation:
German companies make significant contributions to reindustrialisation in the USA, particularly in manufacturing and research.
Measures:
- Highlighting German companies' economic contributions in the transatlantic dialogue
- Showcasing dual vocational training as a success story and supporting skills shortages
- Linking additional EU investments in the USA to reliable and legally secure frameworks
Download
The complete position of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) is available for download here:
After turbulent months, the sentiment of German businesses in the USA is stabilising. A special analysis by the DIHK on the AHK World Business Outlook Autumn 2025 reveals: High tariffs and industrial policy directives remain the greatest challenges for German businesses in the USA.
