A recent Ifo Institute survey reveals that nearly 30% of German companies with planned investments in the United States have postponed their projects, and 15% have canceled them, primarily due to uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Trump’s tariff policies . The survey, which covered approximately 1,500 firms, also found that 21% have delayed investments within Germany, while 8% have canceled domestic projects for similar reasons .
More than 60% of companies report negative effects from the tariffs introduced in January, with 87% of firms in mechanical engineering and 68% in metal production identifying themselves as particularly impacted sectors . Even German firms operating in the U.S. are feeling the pressure: over 80% reported adverse effects from the trade policy changes .
As a result, one in three German industrial companies now expects the U.S. market to lose importance in its strategic outlook. Meanwhile, around 40% view the European Union and India as growing areas of opportunity, though opinions on the outlook for China are divided . The survey underscores the significant trade policy shock sent by U.S. tariffs, prompting German businesses to reassess global market strategies.
