Finance
Latest US tariff changes create more uncertainty for German exporters, Ifo says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Ifo reports export expectations improved to 2.6 in February, with electronics makers more upbeat. But U.S. tariff changes and a Supreme Court ruling add uncertainty for German exporters’ 2026 plans.
US Tariff Shifts Add Uncertainty for German Exporters, Ifo Warns
Trade Outlook and Tariff Risks for German Exporters
BERLIN, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The mood among German exporters improved in February, a survey by the Ifo economic institute showed on Tuesday, but the latest changes to U.S. tariffs create new uncertainty, it added.
Index: 2.6 vs -0.8
Sector Optimism: Electronics and Optics
Ifo Export Expectations Rise in February
The institute's index for export expectations rose to 2.6 points this month from -0.8 in January, with manufacturers of electronic and optical products in particular becoming more optimistic about sales abroad.
"The export economy is starting the new year with some tailwind," said Timo Wollmershaeuser, chief economist at the institute. However, he said there was still no sign of a broad-based recovery.
Planning Difficulties for Firms
Policy Uncertainty from U.S. Tariffs
"The latest decisions on U.S. customs policy are causing new uncertainty," he added. "If customs regulations are constantly changing, it makes planning difficult for companies."
Tariff Actions and Legal Context
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Friday to strike down a large swathe of President Donald Trump's tariffs led Trump to slap a new 10% tariff on imports, which he then raised to 15%.
(Reporting by Linda Pasquini; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •Ifo’s export expectations index rose to 2.6 in February from -0.8 in January.
- •Electronics and optical manufacturers turned more optimistic on foreign sales.
- •Ifo cautions there is still no sign of a broad-based export recovery.
- •Shifting U.S. customs policy is creating fresh uncertainty for planning.
- •A court ruling and subsequent U.S. tariff moves raised risks for German exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Latest US tariff changes create more uncertainty for German exporters, Ifo says
1What is the main topic?
Germany’s Ifo reports improved export expectations in February, while recent U.S. tariff changes and a court ruling create added uncertainty for German exporters.
2How did the Ifo index change?
The Ifo export expectations index rose to 2.6 points in February from -0.8 in January, signaling modest improvement in sentiment.
3Why are German exporters concerned?
Frequent changes in U.S. tariff policy and legal rulings complicate planning and pricing, raising risk for firms selling into the American market.
