US Tariffs on Imports from Germany
Did You Import From Germany?
If you imported goods from Germany between April 2025 and February 2026, you likely paid the 20% IEEPA tariff that was later ruled unconstitutional. You may be owed a refund.
Estimate Your Germany IEEPA Refund
60-second free estimate. Based on the 20% pre-ruling rate.
Where did you import from?
Pick the country — we’ll calculate your refund rate.
Germany Import Tariff Overview
Germany now faces a 10% Section 122 tariff (effective Feb 24, 2026), down from 20% under the struck-down IEEPA regime. As the EU's largest economy and the top European exporter to the US at ~$160B annually, the 10-point rate cut is significant for machinery, vehicles, and chemicals — though Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs of 50% remain unchanged.
Germany is the EU's largest economy and the US's largest European trading partner, with approximately $160B in annual US imports. There is no US-EU FTA, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations collapsed in 2016. Trade tensions have centered on automobiles, agricultural standards, and digital services taxes. BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant is the largest BMW factory in the world by volume, and Mercedes operates a major assembly complex in Tuscaloosa, AL. Volkswagen assembles vehicles in Chattanooga, TN.
Key Products Imported from Germany
Top imports include passenger vehicles (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche), machinery and industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, optical and medical instruments, and aircraft parts. Germany is the world's third-largest exporter and a leader in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Recent Changes
Feb 20, 2026: Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs 6-3 — Germany's rate dropped from 20% to 10% under Section 122 (effective Feb 24, expires ~July 24, 2026). Section 232 tariffs of 50% on steel and aluminum remain unchanged. EU retaliatory tariffs on US goods (bourbon, Harley-Davidson) remain in effect but may be revisited given the lower US rate. German automakers BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen continue expanding US manufacturing to hedge against tariff volatility.
Tips for Importers
Many German manufacturers have US production facilities — BMW Spartanburg, Mercedes Tuscaloosa, VW Chattanooga — check whether your supplier offers domestically built alternatives to avoid the 10% Section 122 tariff entirely. For imported vehicles, the total is now 2.5% MFN + 10% Section 122 = 12.5% (down from 22.5%). Pharmaceuticals enter at 0% MFN, so the 10% Section 122 is the only layer. For machinery, accurate HTS classification remains critical. The Section 122 tariff expires ~July 24, 2026 — plan inventory accordingly.
How US Tariffs on Germany Work
US import duties on goods from Germany are determined by multiple overlapping tariff authorities. The base layer is the Section 122 tariff at 10%, which applies to all countries and is set to expire around July 24, 2026. Section 232 tariffs of 50% on steel and 50% on aluminum apply to metals imports, regardless of the Section 122 rate.
To calculate the total duty on a specific import from Germany, use our tariff calculator or landed cost calculator for a complete estimate including Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). You can also compare Germany rates with other countries to evaluate sourcing alternatives.
Rates by Product Sector
| Sector | Base Rate | Surcharge | Effective Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | — | Free | — |
| Clothing & Apparel | 16.5% | — | 16.5% | — |
| Automobiles & Parts | 2.5% | — | 2.5% | — |
| Steel & Aluminum | 0% | +50% | 50% | Section 232 50% (doubled June 2025) |
| Food & Agriculture | 5% | — | 5% | — |
| Machinery & Equipment | 2.5% | — | 2.5% | — |
| Pharmaceuticals | 0% | — | Free | 100% on patented pharma |
See tariff rates for:
Compare with Alternative Sources
Browse Germany Tariffs by Product Category
Compare Germany with Other Countries
US States Importing from Germany
Calculate Duty from Germany
Germany Tariffs by Product
Guides for Germany Importers
Tariff rates change fast. Stay ahead.
Free alerts when US import tariff rates change. Join importers and trade professionals who stay informed.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did German import tariffs drop after the SCOTUS ruling?
Are BMW and Mercedes vehicles built in the US tariff-free?
Do German machinery imports qualify for lower tariff rates?
What happens to German import tariffs when Section 122 expires in July 2026?
Related Product Categories
Note: Rates shown do not include potential anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD), which may apply to specific products and can significantly increase total duty. Consult a customs broker for product-specific rates.