German exports to US plunge as tariffs take toll

"German exports to the United States plunged in 2025 amid President Donald Trump's tariff blitz, driving down the trade surplus of Europe's top economy with the crucial US market to a four-year low, data showed Friday. Exports to China also fell, but total exports rebounded by around one percent following two years of contraction, as stronger trade with Europe offset falling shipments to the world's two biggest economies, statistics agency Destatis said."

"The overall picture for Germany's foreign trade remains bleak, experts warn, at a time when the traditional export power is struggling after a long decline driven by a manufacturing slump, high energy costs and weak demand at home and abroad. German exports to the United States fell 9.3 percent last year compared to 2024, and totalled around €147 billion, while US imports to Germany rose slightly."

German exports to the United States fell 9.3 percent in 2025 to about €147 billion, reducing the trade surplus with the US to €52.2 billion, the lowest since 2021. Exports to China also declined, yet overall exports rose roughly one percent after two years of contraction as stronger trade with Europe offset weaker shipments to the world's two biggest markets. The downturn reflects a long decline driven by a manufacturing slump, high energy costs and weak domestic and global demand. New US tariffs, including a 15 percent baseline levy on EU exports, have worsened competitiveness for German firms.

Read at The Local Germany