🇬🇧 United Kingdom vs 🇩🇪 Germany Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$138B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇩🇪

Germany

EU Deal Rate15%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$252B

Base Effective Rate15%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

MachineryMotor vehiclesPharmaceuticalsMedical instruments

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Advantages

+Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%)
+Unique export categories: Crude oil, Aircraft engines, Precious metals

🇩🇪 Germany Advantages

+Higher US trade volume ($252B vs $138B)
+Unique export categories: Aircraft, Chemicals, Iron and steel

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

United Kingdom has a lower effective tariff rate (10%) compared to Germany (15%), a difference of 5%.

Both countries export Machinery, Motor vehicles, Pharmaceuticals, Medical instruments to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, United Kingdom accounts for approximately $138B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to Germany's $252B.

Germany is an EU member and trades under the EU-US deal effective July 1, 2026 — a 15% all-inclusive ceiling with no stacking. United Kingdom is subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs; that rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless extended, and USTR has proposed 12.5% Section 301 duties on 46 countries as a replacement.

United Kingdom's advantages include: Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%); Unique export categories: Crude oil, Aircraft engines, Precious metals. Germany's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($252B vs $138B); Unique export categories: Aircraft, Chemicals, Iron and steel.

For most product categories, United Kingdom currently offers lower import costs due to its tariff advantage. However, importers should consider factors beyond tariffs including shipping costs, lead times, quality standards, and supply chain reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — United Kingdom or Germany?

United Kingdom has a lower effective tariff rate (10% vs 15%). The gap reflects the EU's 15% deal ceiling versus the 10% Section 122 rate on non-EU countries.

Should I switch sourcing from United Kingdom to Germany?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. The 5% tariff difference is significant but not the only factor. Also weigh durability: the EU's 15% deal rate has no expiry, while the 10% Section 122 rate is scheduled to sunset July 24, 2026.

Do both United Kingdom and Germany face the same Section 122 tariff?

No — they are under different regimes as of July 1, 2026. Germany (EU) trades under the EU-US deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling, which has no expiration date. United Kingdom is subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed February 24, 2026, scheduled to sunset approximately July 24, 2026 (USTR has proposed 12.5% Section 301 duties on 46 countries as its replacement).

What products overlap between United Kingdom and Germany exports to the US?

Both countries export Machinery, Motor vehicles, Pharmaceuticals to the US. United Kingdom has total bilateral trade of ~$138B while Germany has ~$252B.