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U.S.-EU agreement faces criticism from Bremen Chamber of Commerce

Transatlantic Tariff Agreement: Viewed from Europe and Bremen, the recently reached deal featuring a one-sided base tariff of 15% is considered a tough compromise, as it is perceived to be detrimental to the European economy. Nonetheless, the Bremen Chamber of Commerce commends the resolution...

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EU-US agreement faces criticism from Bremen's business organization
EU-US agreement faces criticism from Bremen's business organization

U.S.-EU agreement faces criticism from Bremen Chamber of Commerce

Transatlantic Trade Agreement: A Step Forward, but Challenges Remain for Germany and Bremen

A new US-EU trade agreement, reached in July 2025, offers a fresh framework for transatlantic trade. The deal caps tariffs on most EU exports to the US at 15%, including cars and car parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, while maintaining the existing 50% tariffs on EU steel, aluminum, and copper, but with the introduction of tariff rate quotas for steel and aluminum at historic export levels [1][5].

This agreement is expected to enhance competitiveness by lowering tariffs substantially on many key exports, fostering increased trade and investment. It includes commitments by the EU to purchase $750 billion in US energy products over three years and make $600 billion in US investments by 2029 [1][2][3].

For Germany, Europe’s largest economy and a manufacturing powerhouse, the removal or reduction of tariffs on cars and car parts is significant. It should enable German exporters to access the US market more competitively and stimulate growth in these sectors. However, persistent tariffs on steel and aluminum, critical raw materials for Germany’s industrial base, might continue to weigh on production costs and export competitiveness in heavy industries [1][2].

The city-state of Bremen, with its strong industrial and port economy heavily reliant on steel, shipping, and automotive supply chains, is particularly affected by the ongoing 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum exports. While the tariff rate quotas somewhat ease this burden by allowing exports at previous historic levels without full tariffs, Bremen's steel-dependent industries and related logistics activities may still face cost pressures and reduced export potential due to these tariffs [1].

The Chamber of Commerce, representing the business community in Bremen, advocates for a trade agreement that is comprehensive, fair, and forward-looking. They emphasize the need for open markets, not new barriers, for an export-oriented location like Germany, specifically Bremen [1][4]. The Chamber's view is that the current agreement is only a first step towards a more comprehensive agreement [1][6].

In conclusion, while the transatlantic trade agreement marks a significant improvement in transatlantic trade conditions, the continued high tariffs on steel and aluminum remain a limiting factor, particularly for Germany’s industrial landscape and Bremen’s economy. The Chamber of Commerce urges the EU to conclude a comprehensive, fair, and forward-looking trade agreement with the USA, ensuring open markets and reducing tariffs on critical raw materials to stimulate growth and competitiveness in industries crucial to Germany and Bremen.

[1] Chamber of Commerce for Bremen and Bremerhaven. (2025). Press Release: US-EU Trade Agreement. [Online] Available at: https://www.handelskammer-bremen.de/en/press-releases/us-eu-trade-agreement/

[2] European Commission. (2025). US-EU Trade Agreement: Factsheet. [Online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/single-market/trade/trade-policy/countries-and-regions/countries/united-states/eu-us-trade-agreement-factsheet_en

[3] US Trade Representative. (2025). US-EU Trade Agreement: Factsheet. [Online] Available at: https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/eu-us-trade-agreement/fact-sheet

[4] Chamber of Commerce for Bremen and Bremerhaven. (2023). Position Paper: The Importance of Open Markets for Bremen. [Online] Available at: https://www.handelskammer-bremen.de/en/position-papers/open-markets-for-bremen/

[5] European Commission. (2025). US-EU Trade Agreement: Tariff Rate Quotas for Steel and Aluminum. [Online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/single-market/trade/trade-policy/countries-and-regions/countries/united-states/eu-us-trade-agreement-tariff-rate-quotas-for-steel-and-aluminum_en

[6] Chamber of Commerce for Bremen and Bremerhaven. (2025). Statement: The Next Steps for the US-EU Trade Agreement. [Online] Available at: https://www.handelskammer-bremen.de/en/statements/next-steps-for-the-us-eu-trade-agreement/

  1. The transatlantic trade agreement, despite lowering tariffs on key exports, continues to impose persistent tariffs on steel and aluminum, which pose a challenge for Germany's industrial base, especially Bremen's steel-dependent industries.
  2. The Chamber of Commerce, advocating for a comprehensive and forward-looking agreement, urges the EU to reduce tariffs on critical raw materials like steel and aluminum, to stimulate growth and competitiveness in industries central to Germany and Bremen.
  3. In the realm of politics and general news, the transatlantic trade agreement and its potential impact on Germany's finance, business, and industrial sectors remain a topic of significant interest, particularly with regards to the ongoing tariffs on steel and aluminum.

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