German exports to US plunge in 2025 due to Trump tariffs

German exports to the United States plunged in 2025 as a consequence of President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies, official data showed.

The Federal Statistical Office said German goods worth €135.8 billion were exported to the US over the first 11 months of last year, down 9.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

In contrast, imports from the US rose 2.2% to €86.9 billion, meaning Germany's trade surplus with the country shrank to €48.9 billion over the period - the lowest figure since 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic.

The export-led German economy has suffered badly from Trump's shift in trade policy, with the US serving as Germany's most important market.

The decline in business with Washington was a significant factor in German exports shrinking for a third consecutive year in 2025.  

The beleaguered German automotive sector was particularly badly hit by the tariffs, with the value of exported cars and vehicle parts sinking by 17.5% over the first 11 months of the year to €26.9 billion.

Machine exports were down 9% to €24 billion, while pharmaceuticals rose slightly by 0.7% to €26.2 billion.

Despite the significant decline in exports, Germany's trade surplus with the United States remains its largest worldwide.

However, further instability is looming after Trump on Saturday threatened 10% tariffs on European countries, including Germany, for their opposition to his bid for control over Danish-administered Greenland.