🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇫🇷 France Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

Germany and France are both significant US trading partners, but their tariff profiles differ in important ways that affect import costs.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Motor vehicles, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals, Aircraft, and 1 other overlapping categories to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Germany accounts for approximately $252B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding France's $90B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Germany's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($252B vs $90B); Unique export categories: Medical instruments, Iron and steel, Electrical machinery. France's advantages include: Unique export categories: Wine, Perfume & cosmetics, Beverages.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Germany and France depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.