USA increase steel tariffs to 50% - crisis for German companies threatened!

USA increase steel tariffs to 50% - crisis for German companies threatened!

Deutschland - On June 4, 2025, the USA increased the tariffs to steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, which in particular has a significant impact on the steel and metal processing industry in Germany. This increase takes place by a short-term order from US President Donald Trump and ensures great concern among German companies.

Around 5,000 companies in Germany, primarily small and medium -sized companies with almost 500,000 employees, are directly affected. The rising tariffs could have existential consequences, especially because many companies already suffer from low profit margins. A major risk is that US producers could seek alternative suppliers, which would endanger German suppliers. The competitiveness of these companies is already affected by economic challenges and unfavorable location conditions.

reactions of the EU

The EU Commission responded to the increase in customs with the announcement of countermeasures. The Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the protection of consumers and companies was a top priority. The US tariffs, which have a value of $ 28 billion, could be compensated for by EU counter-measures worth 26 billion euros. These measures are implemented in two phases and include the expiry of existing countermeasures and the introduction of new strategies for the protection of European companies.

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is commissioned to restore trade relationships. The current trade relationships between the USA and the EU are among the most extensive in the world, and the Commission remains open to negotiations to find a mutual solution.

economic effects

The high tariffs could also heat inflation in the United States, since consumers ultimately have to bear the higher costs. In 2024, companies exported around one million tons of steel to the USA in 2024, which makes 18 percent of the EU countries exports. These deflecting effects could mean that steel, which was originally intended for the US market, could now flow to Europe, which would significantly change market dynamics.

Regardless of the customs increases, the EU can continue to export steel and aluminum to the USA, since US President Joe Biden extended a regulation by December 31, 2025. This temporary solution allows the export of defined quotas of up to 3.3 million tons of steel and 384,000 tons of aluminum to gain time for negotiations on a permanent solution.

The EU has already worked out retaliation measures, but is currently holding back, hoping to prevent the trade dispute through negotiations with the United States. The entire situation remains tense, and experts recommend the EU to strengthen its counter -strategy in order to minimize the effects of the customs increases as possible.

For the German steel and aluminum industry, the coming months are crucial to adapt to the changing framework conditions and to develop possible solutions for the challenges.

Further information can be found in the articles of Welt href = "https://germany.represation.ec.europa.eu/us-zolle-stahl-und-aluminium-eu-kommission-mit-mämmbehungen-2025-03-12_de"> EU Commission and Tagesschau .