Going International 2025

The survey makes it clear that higher tariffs, counter-tariffs, stricter certification requirements and new regulations are putting companies under pressure. A majority of companies have noticed a significant increase in trade barriers in their international business in recent weeks and months. The hoped-for upturn in exports is being suppressed as a result: business prospects are improving slightly, but still remain in negative territory.

The level of trade barriers remains high worldwide. More than every second company active abroad (58 per cent) reports additional trade barriers in the past twelve months. Local certification requirements (59 per cent) and increased security requirements (45 per cent) in particular make planning more difficult and drive up costs. Added to this are sanctions, non-transparent legislation, higher customs duties and local content requirements.

Bleak prospects in US business

Significant differences between the world's regions are currently characterising German companies' international business. North America, in particular, is becoming a problem region.  

"The growing trade barriers and protectionist signals from Washington are causing our companies great concern," says Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade at the DIHK. 70 per cent of companies expect US trade policy to have a negative impact on their business. Last year, the USA was still seen as a glimmer of hope. Now the situation for German companies with US business has deteriorated the most by far. 

The uncertainty caused by US trade policy is spreading to all regions of the world. Despite slight upward trends, the business outlook for the current year remains negative in almost all regions of the world. The upturn, which is in the starting blocks, is being slowed down by the great uncertainty. What was true of many business relationships yesterday must be reassessed today.

Different hurdles depending on the world region

The challenges for German companies vary considerably depending on the region of the world. In the USA, higher customs duties are already a burden for half of companies – compared to 24 per cent in the previous year. In China, the need for local content in particular is cited as an obstacle (44 per cent). Trade within the eurozone is also hindered by various obstacles, especially bureaucratic ones: 55 per cent of companies complain about a lack of transparency in legislation, 52 per cent report more difficult access to public contracts and 50 per cent see local certification requirements as a problem. Sanctions continue to have a particular impact on business with Russia, where 78 per cent of affected companies feel their influence. 

Many problems are home-grown

There are also home-grown hurdles that place an additional burden on international business. "We are increasingly experiencing how regulations from Germany and Europe are also making international business more difficult," says Treier. Four out of five companies (83 per cent) report difficulties such as bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainties, for example in complying with the German Supply Chain Sustainability Act (LkSG), the requirements of the Packaging Directive and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The long approval times at the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) continue to cause difficulties for 43 per cent of companies – significantly less than last year (57 per cent). The simplifications that have been introduced are already noticeable here.

In view of global challenges, more speed is needed when concluding trade agreements and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. "Our companies are in urgent need of clear framework conditions that open up market opportunities and secure them in the long term," emphasises Treier. "If we don't ease the burden on companies creating value at home, we will continue to lose ground internationally."

Treier urges swift action: "The barriers to foreign trade must be removed sooner rather than later. The global environment is challenging enough – we cannot afford additional bureaucracy."

The complete survey results can be downloaded here: 

Going International 2025 (PDF, 659 KB)