BERLIN

The German business community is preparing for possible trade restrictions after Republican former US President Donald Trump won a second term after beating his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the 2024 race for the White House.

Trump could cause serious disruptions to Germany’s industrial sector with high tariffs, fueling uncertainty for companies operating in the country and a slowdown in investments.

President-elect Trump, 78, will be sworn-in on Jan. 20. Throughout his campaign, he said he would impose higher tariffs.

Germany’s governing coalition has been shaken by recent controversies surrounding it over climate targets, losses in state elections and economic problems. Disagreements between the parties forming the coalition over economic and industrial policies could lead to early elections.

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) President Peter Adrian said that Trump’s win makes trade with the US much more difficult and the business community should prepare for protectionist trade from the US. He added that China could replace the US as Germany’s most important trading partner this year.

Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said the US is an important part of the German automotive sector’s production network, with over 900,000 German vehicles manufactured in the US last year, accounting for 138,000 jobs.

Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), said the US is Germany’s most important ally at a time of global turmoil and that allyship needs to be maintained, though he awaits Trump’s first new tariffs on European and Chinese imports with some concern.

Markus Steilemann, president of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), said the US is Germany’s most important extra-EU market for pharmaceutical exports, urging the German government and Europe to find a solution via policy and calling for further diversification of trade relations, new free trade agreements, and partnerships.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim in Istanbul