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Trump's tariff policy is hitting export-oriented companies in southern Hesse
The current business climate survey “Going International 2025” by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) shows that, in addition to the ongoing recession in Germany, companies in southern Hesse are also coming under increasing pressure due to global trade barriers. Developments in the USA, in particular, are causing concern for industry – a region that has previously been considered a strong trading partner.
US tariff policy causes uncertainty in southern Hesse
“The growing trade barriers and the erratic policies of the Trump administration are creating unprecedented uncertainty,” explains Robert Lippmann, CEO of the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Around 70 percent of the companies surveyed fear negative effects of US trade policy on their business.
Just last year, the USA was seen as a beacon of hope. Now, punitive tariffs, new regulations, and restricted market access are looming. Southern Hesse is particularly affected: 65 percent of the region's industrial revenue comes from abroad – a significantly higher percentage than the Hessian average.
Protectionism and bureaucracy hinder international business
The survey shows that protectionist tendencies are also increasing outside North America. Trade barriers such as certification requirements, new regulations, or higher tariffs are making market access more difficult. At the same time, national regulations are hindering the export capacity of German companies
- 83 percent of companies report significant bureaucratic hurdles.
- Problems include the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) , the Packaging Directive and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) .
- 43 percent of businesses criticize long approval times at BAFA (Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) .
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is calling for better framework conditions for foreign trade
“Companies in our region need planning certainty, less bureaucracy, and new free trade agreements,” demands Lippmann. The Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt) calls on the federal government to utilize its existing scope for action and to structurally improve the framework for international trade.
Further information on the DIHK survey “Going International 2025” can be found www.dihk.de.
(DARMSTADT – RED/IHK)
