Steady Iron and Steel Exports from Germany to the U.S. Anticipated Through 2025
Title: Tariffs Take a Toll: German Iron & Steel Exports to US Slip in '25 amid Trump's Policies
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With additional tariffs looming, German iron and steel exports to the US have experienced a marginal dip so far in 2025. Data from the Federal Statistical Office reveals exports of iron and steel and their associated products to the US, amounting to €1.3 billion, marked a 0.4% decline year-on-year from January to April. Overall iron and steel exports decreased by 4.2% to €20.7 billion during the same period[1][2].
Introduced on March 12, 2025, the Trump administration applied tariffs of 25% on iron, steel, aluminum, and related products. This surcharge reached 50% on June 4, 2025. The tariffs were implemented with the intention of shielding domestic manufacturers[1]. Currently, 6.1% of German iron and steel exports were destined for the US, making it the sixth-largest export market for these goods[1].
In 2024, the US accounted for a slightly higher share of 6.2% in German iron and steel exports. The EU remains the biggest consumer of German steel, with Poland, France, and the Netherlands at the top of the list, accounting for 9.5%, 8.2%, and 7.6% of the total iron and steel exports respectively[1].
The import of iron and steel into Germany at the same time dropped 4.4% to €17.0 billion, with US imports climbing 11.5% to €285 million. Aluminum imports saw an increase of 8.2% to €7.0 billion, with the US contributing €74 million to that total, an increase of 6.8% year-on-year[1].
German aluminum exports decreased by 1.8% to €218 million, where the US represented a 3.4% share in total exports, down from €221 million in the previous year[1]. The majority of aluminum exports were directed to EU countries, with France, Austria, and Poland taking in 9.8%, 9.4%, and 9.1% of the total exports respectively[1].
The tariffs have raised concerns within the industry and across supply chains. Critics argue that these tariffs are likely to create uncertainties in the market, disrupting production growth and pressuring broader economic growth in the eurozone, partly due to the increased costs and sourcing challenges[5].
The tariffs have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just direct exports but indirectly affecting various sectors reliant on these metals, potentially impacting manufacturing and design timelines[1][5]. Furthermore, the trade tensions engendered by these tariffs may exacerbate supply chain risks and complicate pricing strategies[1][5].
- References:
- ntv.de
- rts
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- European Commission
- European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) report on job impacts of trade conflicts (March 2025).
- The economic and monetary union (EMU) members in the European Union may face uncertainties and disruptions in production growth, as tariffs on German iron, steel, and aluminum exports to the United States threaten to increase costs and complicate sourcing challenges, potentially impacting manufacturing and design timelines.
- In the context of the ongoing trade tensions and tariffs, the financial sector, particularly banks and insurers, may face risks associated with increased uncertainties and volatile prices in the steel and aluminum industries, as well as potential difficulties in ensuring timely payments and maintaining robust supply chains.
