Trump Tariffs Threaten German Engineering Exports, Prompt EU Plea for Relief
Washington D.C. & Brussels – Escalating tariffs imposed by the United States are forcing German mechanical engineering firms to curtail operations and seek urgent intervention from the European Union, according to industry leaders. The tariffs, levied on steel and aluminum derivatives, are jeopardizing the viability of numerous machine and plant manufacturers and prompting a direct appeal from the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) to the European Commission for assistance.
the crisis stems from former President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which continue to reverberate through the global economy. The VDMA is explicitly urging the Commission to “make all available efforts to free the EU from the tariffs to steel and aluminum derivatives and to ensure that machines and equipment are excluded from future sectoral tariffs.” The high duties threaten not only finished machines but also essential components, undermining re-industrialization goals on both sides of the Atlantic.
Specifically, the tariffs are impacting companies like Krone, which has already halted deliveries of spare parts for existing machines in the US market and faces the potential inability to manufacture new equipment for American customers. VDMA General Manager Thilo Brodtmann underscored the broader damage,stating,”These tariffs also undermine the re-industrialization goals of the United states,since not only finished machines,but also their components are affected by the high steel and aluminum tariffs.”
The situation highlights a critical vulnerability for Germany, a major exporter of industrial machinery. The VDMA’s demands signal a growing concern that the current tariff structure-which, according to recent reports, shows no signs of essential change-could trigger significant economic disruption within the European manufacturing sector. The EU’s response will be crucial in mitigating the impact and preventing further contraction in trade between Europe and the United States.
