GERMANY-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of GERMANY exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting GERMANY imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | GERMANY | | Country Code | DE | | Total US Imports | $151.82 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 9+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 9+ different products from GERMANY in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Blood/vaccines (HS 3002)

Import Value: $73.40 billion (48.3% of total)
HS Code: 3002
Tariff Rate: View HS 3002 DE tariff

Blood/vaccines is a major export from GERMANY, representing 48.3% of bilateral trade.

2. Pharmaceutical products (HS 3004)

Import Value: $43.90 billion (28.9% of total)
HS Code: 3004
Tariff Rate: View HS 3004 DE tariff

Pharmaceutical products is a major export from GERMANY, representing 28.9% of bilateral trade.

3. Pumps for liquids (HS 8413)

Import Value: $9.34 billion (6.2% of total)
HS Code: 8413
Tariff Rate: View HS 8413 DE tariff

Pumps for liquids is a major export from GERMANY, representing 6.2% of bilateral trade.

4. Dishwashing machines (HS 8422)

Import Value: $8.15 billion (5.4% of total)
HS Code: 8422
Tariff Rate: View HS 8422 DE tariff

Dishwashing machines is a major export from GERMANY, representing 5.4% of bilateral trade.

5. Orthopedic appliances (HS 9021)

Import Value: $6.66 billion (4.4% of total)
HS Code: 9021
Tariff Rate: View HS 9021 DE tariff

Orthopedic appliances is a major export from GERMANY, representing 4.4% of bilateral trade.

6. Compression-ignition engines (HS 8408)

Import Value: $5.78 billion (3.8% of total)
HS Code: 8408
Tariff Rate: View HS 8408 DE tariff

Compression-ignition engines is a major export from GERMANY, representing 3.8% of bilateral trade.

7. Food processing machinery (HS 8438)

Import Value: $3.64 billion (2.4% of total)
HS Code: 8438
Tariff Rate: View HS 8438 DE tariff

Food processing machinery is a major export from GERMANY, representing 2.4% of bilateral trade.

8. Therapy appliances (HS 9019)

Import Value: $0.70 billion (0.5% of total)
HS Code: 9019
Tariff Rate: View HS 9019 DE tariff

Therapy appliances is a major export from GERMANY, representing 0.5% of bilateral trade.

9. Cyclic hydrocarbons (HS 2902)

Import Value: $0.26 billion (0.2% of total)
HS Code: 2902
Tariff Rate: View HS 2902 DE tariff

Cyclic hydrocarbons is a major export from GERMANY, representing 0.2% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Blood/vaccines | 3002 | $73.40B | 48.3% | | 2 | Pharmaceutical products | 3004 | $43.90B | 28.9% | | 3 | Pumps for liquids | 8413 | $9.34B | 6.2% | | 4 | Dishwashing machines | 8422 | $8.15B | 5.4% | | 5 | Orthopedic appliances | 9021 | $6.66B | 4.4% | | 6 | Compression-ignition engines | 8408 | $5.78B | 3.8% | | 7 | Food processing machinery | 8438 | $3.64B | 2.4% | | 8 | Therapy appliances | 9019 | $0.70B | 0.5% | | 9 | Cyclic hydrocarbons | 2902 | $0.26B | 0.2% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: GERMANY products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific GERMANY products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

GERMANY goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major GERMANY ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge GERMANY tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from GERMANY
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "DE-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on GERMANY:

Blend GERMANY with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

GERMANY Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - GERMANY-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04