USA Import Export

The American market ranks among the most dynamic trading hubs worldwide—but has been in a state of uncertainty since early 2025. Arbitrary tariff announcements and short-term trade restrictions from the Trump Administration have led to significant disruptions in transatlantic trade. German companies moving goods between Germany and the USA face the challenge of adapting their business models to an unpredictable tariff policy.

This article provides an overview of the current situation in USA import export. You’ll learn about the developments shaping German-American trade, which goods are typically traded between both countries, and what to consider for transportation logistics.

The USA as Germany’s Trading Partner – Status and Development

The United States holds a special position in German foreign trade. Measured by total trade volume, the USA ranked first among Germany’s trading partners in 2024 and during the first seven months of 2025. Since 2024, they have displaced the People’s Republic of China from this position. In August 2025, this reversed again (China ranked first, USA second), but these short-term fluctuations are not yet significant. They rather demonstrate that China and the USA are very close in trade volume. The essential difference between these two countries lies more in the fact that we view the USA as a “friend” and China as a “systemic rival.”

Germany is heavily dependent on both countries. All the more dramatic that relations with both countries have deteriorated during the current year. Let’s now examine the situation in USA trade.

Current figures show a clear shift in trade with the USA.

Germany’s trade surplus in USA import export has fallen to 34.6 billion euros in the first seven months of 2025. This is the lowest level for this period since 2021. For comparison: in the same period last year, the surplus was 6.2 billion euros higher. This development is reflected in two parallel trends:

• German exports to the USA recorded a decline of 5.3 percent to 89.9 billion euros.
• Simultaneously, imports from the United States rose by 2.2 percent to 55.3 billion euros.

Despite these shifts, the USA maintains its leading position. It remains the trading partner with which Germany achieves the highest export surplus. While the gap to second-place France has narrowed, it still amounts to 4.2 billion euros. The American market is and remains of great importance for German exporters.

Imports from the USA – What German Companies Source

Imports from the United States are becoming increasingly important for German companies. Rising imports from the USA show that American products and raw materials play an important role in the German economy. Different industries benefit to varying degrees from USA imports.

In the area of raw materials and energy sources, the USA traditionally plays an important role. American liquefied natural gas has developed into a significant energy source for Germany in recent years. The USA also supplies agricultural products such as soybeans and grain, which are processed in the German food industry and animal feed production.

The technology sector sources high-value electronic components, software, and innovative technology solutions from the USA. American companies lead in many areas of digital technology, and German firms import these products to secure their own competitiveness. In mechanical engineering and industrial equipment, American specialized machinery and precision tools complement the product portfolio of German companies.

The pharmaceutical industry imports active ingredients, medicines, and medical technology devices from the USA. The American pharmaceutical industry ranks among the most innovative sectors worldwide, and German companies benefit from access to these products. In the chemical sector, the USA supplies specialty chemicals and basic materials for industrial processing.

Current developments show that German companies want to diversify their import sources, but this diversification is not yet succeeding. Dependence on the USA remains unchanged at high levels.

Exports to the USA – German Products on the American Market

German products have enjoyed an excellent reputation on the American market for decades. Despite current challenges, the USA remains an attractive sales market for German exporters. The American market offers enormous opportunities for companies providing high-quality products, thanks to its size and purchasing power.

The automotive sector traditionally forms a cornerstone of German exports to the USA. German vehicles stand for quality, engineering excellence, and reliability. In addition to passenger cars, German manufacturers also export commercial vehicles, automotive parts, and accessories to the American market. Electric mobility is opening up new business fields and growth opportunities.

In mechanical engineering, German companies export highly specialized production facilities, machine tools, and industrial robots. American firms value the precision and durability of German machinery. This sector remains a flagship of the German export economy, even though order volumes are currently fluctuating.

The chemical industry supplies a broad range of products to the USA, from specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical active ingredients to plastics and coatings. German chemical companies benefit from their innovative strength and technological advantage in many niche markets.

The electrical engineering and electronics sector exports industrial electronics, measurement technology, and automation solutions. German companies supply American industrial operations with high-quality components for production facilities. In the renewable energy sector, demand for German technologies for wind and solar installations is growing.

The current 5.3 percent decline in exports affects industries to varying degrees. Some sectors are experiencing more significant losses than others. Companies are responding with various strategies: they’re diversifying their sales markets, adjusting their pricing, and optimizing their supply chains.

At the same time, many exporters are increasing their investments in their US market presence to remain competitive in the long term.

Customs Policy and Its Impact on Your Business

United States customs policy has evolved into an unpredictable factor in transatlantic trade over recent months. Even short- and medium-term planning has become difficult for importers and exporters, not to mention long-term planning.

The American government has repeatedly adjusted tariff rates, introduced new trade restrictions, and uses the threat of further tariff increases to enforce demands that have nothing to do with trade.

Unfortunately, these measures directly affect your business profitability. Tariff rates can change on short notice, and new product categories are being incorporated into existing customs regulations.

This unpredictability requires heightened attention and flexibility in planning from German companies. What can be calculated with a certain tariff rate today may already be subject to different regulations while the ship carrying the cargo is still en route.

For your import business from the USA, you should naturally keep an eye on German import duties. These are generally more stable than American tariffs but are also subject to occasional adjustments. Customs clearance is processed through German customs authorities, and you must submit all required documents correctly and completely. These include commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and product-specific documentation.

For exports to the USA, you must comply with American customs regulations. US Customs authorities have special requirements for documentation and classification of goods. Precise goods declaration is crucial to avoid delays and additional costs. Many products are subject to specific import regulations that go beyond pure customs matters. These include safety regulations, health standards, and technical norms.

The current customs situation also affects your calculations, currently mostly to your disadvantage. Higher tariffs make your products more expensive on the American market or reduce your profit margin. You must decide whether to pass the additional costs on to your customers or absorb them yourself.

Many companies have found that professional customs clearance saves time and money. Experienced logistics partners know the current regulations and can efficiently guide your shipments through the customs process.

A practical tip: Stay informed daily about changes in customs policy.

• American and German chambers of commerce regularly provide information on current developments.
• If you’re unsure how new customs regulations will affect your business, consulting a customs expert is worthwhile.
• We support you with customs clearance as part of our transportation services and ensure that your goods reach their destination in compliance with regulations and without delays.

Transportation Logistics for USA Import and Export

The right transportation route turns an order into a successful USA business deal—it determines speed, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Between Germany and the United States, you basically have two transportation modes available: air freight and ocean freight. A land connection, as exists for transport within Europe or to Asia, does not exist.

Air freight offers you the fastest route for your goods across the Atlantic. Pure transit time is only two to three days. This makes air freight the ideal choice for time-critical shipments, perishable goods, or high-value products with small volumes. If, for example, you need to deliver urgently needed spare parts or transport a product to a trade show in the USA, there’s no way around air freight. The higher transportation costs become relative when you consider the opportunity costs of a longer delivery time. Detailed information about our air freight services between Germany and the USA can be found on our dedicated page Air Freight USA.

Ocean freight, on the other hand, is suitable for larger cargo volumes and less time-critical shipments. Transit time varies by coast between 28 days for shipments from the American East Coast and up to 42 days from the West Coast. Ocean freight remains significantly more cost-effective than air freight, which is why approximately 90 percent of all goods worldwide are transported by ship. You can ship both full containers and less-than-container-load freight, giving you flexibility in planning. More details on ocean freight processing are available on our page Ocean Freight USA.

The current situation with transportation capacity at the end of 2025 is comparatively relaxed. Unlike in recent years, when bottlenecks and congested ports hampered international trade, good capacity is now available to you on both modes of transport. Freight rates have fallen over the course of the year and are at moderate levels. This development benefits German companies that need to transport their goods between Germany and the USA.

The decision between air freight and ocean freight depends on several factors. You must consider the urgency of your shipment, the ratio of goods value to transportation costs, and your customers’ requirements. Another important aspect is planning certainty: Can you incorporate longer transit times into your logistics, or do you need the goods on short notice?

A professional logistics partner supports you in this decision and organizes the entire transportation process for you. From pickup in Germany or the USA, through the actual transportation, to delivery at the recipient’s location, we handle all necessary steps. On our overview page Transport USA, you can get an overview of our services in transatlantic traffic.

How to Master Current Challenges in USA Trade

USA import export currently faces special challenges that you must actively address as a company. The good news: with the right strategy and reliable partners, you can successfully master these challenges and continue to make your USA business profitable.

Flexibility in the supply chain has proven to be a critical success factor. Companies that can quickly respond to changing conditions perform better in the market. Concretely, this means: Keep alternative transportation routes open, work with multiple suppliers, and maintain a network of business partners. When tariff rates change or transportation capacity becomes scarce, you can quickly adjust course.

Your transportation planning should account for current market conditions. Even though transportation capacity is currently readily available, circumstances can change. Book important shipments in advance and build sufficient buffer time into your supply chains. For time-critical projects, early coordination with your logistics partner is recommended to find the optimal solution.

Diversifying your markets protects you from one-sided dependencies. While the USA remains an important trading partner, you should also keep other markets in focus. Yes, it would be more convenient and simpler to continue established business unchanged. But with the tectonic shifts in international trade, companies must review their strategy, make it crisis-proof, and reduce dependencies.

You must find the right balance for your company between market diversification and focus on core markets.

A reliable logistics partner makes the difference between smooth and problematic transports. When selecting your partner, pay attention to several criteria: Does the company have many years of experience in USA business? Does it offer both air and ocean freight so you can choose flexibly? Does it handle customs clearance for you? Can you track your shipments seamlessly?

Communication with your American business partners should be transparent. Inform your customers or suppliers early about possible delays or changes. Clarify in advance who bears which costs if tariff rates change. Clear contractual agreements prevent later conflicts.

Your calculations must factor in volatile conditions. Plan with cost buffers to respond to rising tariffs or freight rates. Regularly review whether your prices remain competitive while still covering your costs. Many successful exporters have incorporated price escalation clauses into their contracts that allow adjustments when significant cost changes occur.

Digitization of your processes makes managing your international business easier. Use digital tools for shipment tracking, document management, and communication with your partners. Modern logistics platforms provide you with transparency about the current status of your shipments and help you manage your supply chains more efficiently.

Your Partner for Successful USA Import Export

Trade between Germany and the United States is going through a phase of adjustment but continues to offer great opportunities for your company. German products are in demand on the American market, and American goods complement the offerings of German companies.

Success in USA import export depends on several factors: a sound market strategy, efficient supply chains, professional customs clearance, and above all, reliable logistics partners. We at Excellence Global Logistics specialize in transatlantic trade and know the special requirements that USA trade places on logistics.

We organize your door-to-door transports between Germany and the USA. In doing so, we handle all necessary steps: from selecting the optimal transportation route and booking with shipping lines or airlines to customs clearance and final delivery. You receive everything from a single source and can focus on your core business.

We work with renowned partners and have access to competitive freight rates. Whether you need time-critical air freight shipments or are planning cost-effective ocean freight transports—we advise you individually and find the best solution for your requirements.

Different customs regulations, various documentation requirements, and coordination across time zones pose challenges for many companies. As your logistics partner, we take these tasks off your hands and ensure that your goods reach their destination on time and in perfect condition.

Contact us for a no-obligation conversation about your transportation needs in USA business. Our experts are at your disposal and will work with you to develop the optimal logistics solution for your USA import export.

For your current transportation needs, you can reach us at:

T: +49 69 870 089 40
F: +49 69 870 089 429
operations@egl-world.com

Or use our inquiry form for a quick response to your transportation request.