The export-oriented German engineering industry is seriously affected by restrictions on imports from the United States, its VDMA association reports in its latest annual survey.
Punitive U.
S. duties on steel and aluminum are likely to affect about 56% of German machinery exports to the United States in the near future, according to Callanish from the federation. According to a new VDMA survey of nearly 400 member companies, 47% of companies report a decrease in orders from the United States since April last year. Two thirds of respondents expect sales to decrease due to tariffs.
"Moreover, we are talking not only about the absolute level of tariffs, but also about the accompanying bureaucratic burden, such as the correct declaration of the cost of steel and aluminum," says Bertram Kavlat, president of the VDMA. "Only about a quarter of our companies believe that they can meet American requirements. Tariffs are absolutely counterproductive for both sides!"
In September 2025, the volume of German machinery exports amounted to 16.3 billion euros ($19 billion), which is 3.4% less than in the previous year. Adjusted for price changes, this corresponds to a real decrease of 4.7%. In September, exports to the United States decreased by 10.8%. The United States accounts for more than 12% of German exports, which still makes it the largest foreign market for German machinery, followed by China with 8% and France with 6%.
As a small compensation for trade problems with the United States, exports to other EU countries turned out to be more profitable than previously expected. During the first three quarters, exports continued to decline by 2.2% year-on-year, but have been gaining momentum recently. In particular, in the eurozone, the decline was only 1.1%, the VDMA notes.
Author: Christian Kel Germany
Kallanish.com
