• High price – but framework agreement with 15 percent US tariffs is in place
  • Companies need better framework conditions
  • Clarity and legal binding for companies needed now

A framework agreement between the European Union (EU) and the USA was formally concluded on the night of July 28, 2025: US tariffs on EU imports now amount to 15 percent. This is significantly lower than the 30 percent originally announced, but considerably higher than in the past. Tariffs on steel and aluminum remain unchanged at 50 percent, while strategic industrial goods such as aircraft parts, chemical products and generics are subject to zero-for-zero duty-free regulations.

This is why the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Brandenburg continue to warn of the economic consequences of the settled tariff dispute for export-oriented industries if there are no long-term agreements on relief for all industries in the near future: "The constant back and forth in customs policy is poison for the international economy." This is what Potsdam's IHK President Ina Hänsel says on behalf of the state working group of IHKs in the state of Brandenburg. "The agreement is a bitter compromise, but also a clear signal for more planning security for Brandenburg's economy. However, the work is not done with this agreement, on the contrary: we IHKs therefore support our companies in adapting to the new circumstances and thus positioning themselves more broadly for international competition."

The result of the negotiations offers Brandenburg companies medium to long-term planning security. Nevertheless, the costs for the economy remain high: despite the easing of the situation, tariffs continue to rise significantly above the pre-Trump level (average before 2025 at approx. 1–2 percent). The burden for German export industries remains high. In addition, detailed questions remain unanswered: The framework agreement is politically-final, but not yet detailed – ambiguities remain for wine, spirits, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. There is also still a political risk: A unilateral change by US President Donald Trump cannot be ruled out - the commitment to investment pledges made by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could serve as leverage against the EU.

The rapprochement achieved between the two sides does point to easing tensions in the customs dispute for the time being. This allows the economy to breathe a sigh of relief and stabilizes global supply chains. However, an overall agreement in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is still pending. In addition, the EU is to accept a tough compromise with the additional energy imports from the USA to Europe worth 750 billion US dollars and 600 billion US dollars in additional EU investments in the US economic area (including military procurement) over the next three years, which will have a negative impact on Europe in terms of competitiveness due to the known high energy prices for US imports and the accepted relocation of investments.

Ina Hänsel says: "The 15 percent tariff is not a real relief. But the reliability of implementation and the exact scope of the sector regulations are now crucial. The economy needs a crisis-proof WTO-compliant framework agreement as quickly as possible that contains legal certainty and clear sector regulations. In this way, important sectors for Brandenburg's exports to the USA – such as automobiles and parts, pharmaceuticals and chemicals – may be given reliability in US foreign business. It remains the case that this is nothing more than a bitter compromise for the Brandenburg economy that will cost us dearly. The goal must be a free trade agreement between the USA and the EU. The current status can only be an interim solution."

Exports to the United States accounted for just under eight percent of Brandenburg's total exports in 2024. At 1.8 billion euros, the USA was Brandenburg's most important non-European export partner in 2024. Only at the beginning of the year, one in two Brandenburg companies stated in the "Going International" foreign trade survey that they feared that any US tariffs would have a negative impact on their own business.

The state working group (LAG) is a cooperation of the three chambers of industry and commerce in the state of Brandenburg. It represents the interests of around 160,000 companies from industry, trade and services.