Tariff-Hit German Exports to US Fall Sharply, Analysis Finds
Value of Exports to US Fell by 8% Year Over Year
[Stay on top of transportation news: .]
BERLIN — German exports to the U.S. declined sharply in the first three quarters of 2025 as a result of significantly increased tariffs, according to an analysis published Dec. 22.
The German Economic InstituteÌý(IW) said the automotive, chemical and mechanical engineering sectors were particularly affected.
The value of exports to the U.S. fell by 8% compared with the same period last year, the institute said.
By contrast, exports across theÌýAtlanticÌýhad increased by an average of 5% per year between 2016 and 2024.
Almost 70% of the decline in exports was attributable to the automotive, chemical and mechanical engineering sectors.
The automotive industry took the hardest hit, as exports of passenger cars and car parts fell by around 15% in the first three quarters.
One important reason for the decline in mechanical engineering exports is the particularly high U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. These tariffs currently stand at 50%.
In the chemical sector, the IW said lower production levels inÌýGermany, partly due to higher energy prices, also likely contributed to the decline in exports.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing belowÌýor go here for more info:
