Germany news: Commerce chief hopes for more stable US trade
Germany's Chamber of Commerce chief has called for more predictable US trade policy after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress.
The head of Germany's main Chamber of Commerce has called for more predictable US trade policy after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress. Helena Melnikov, chief executive of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), told ARD television that stability in trade relations with the US is crucial for German businesses.
Melnikov emphasized that reliability in Germany's biggest export market is "extremely important," particularly after Trump's repeated tariff announcements, reversals and changes to implementation deadlines have made planning difficult for German exporters. "We are counting first and foremost on stability in trade relations with the US," she said. "No more zigzagging."
Economic experts warn of uncertainty
Achim Wambach, president of Germany's ZEW economic research institute, warned that losing his congressional majorities could push Trump to pursue more of his agenda through trade and foreign policy, where he retains extensive powers. "Uncertainty about the future direction of US trade policy remains high," he said.
Uncertainty about the future direction of US trade policy remains high.
Wambach also warned of potential deadlock over the US budget, noting that Democratic control would probably not bring a fundamental return to free trade due to broad bipartisan agreement on protecting US industry and trade policy toward China.
Auto industry shows mixed signals
Confidence in Germany's auto industry has risen sharply, reaching its highest level since mid-2024, according to the Munich-based Ifo institute. The business climate index climbed from minus 33.2 to minus 4.1 points in October, with companies' assessment of their current situation turning positive for the first time since mid-2024.
However, the survey conducted before the US midterm election results showed continued uncertainty. "There can be no talk of an all-clear for the automotive industry," Ifo industry expert Anita Wolfl said, pointing to sharp monthly fluctuations in business confidence.
Hybrid car regulations threaten jobs
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has called for changes to EU rules governing hybrid cars, warning that upcoming regulations could put around 50,000 jobs at risk in Germany alone. VDA President Hildegard Müller criticized the EU's plan to tighten the utility factor for plug-in hybrids.
In doing so, Brussels is putting around 50,000 jobs at risk in Germany alone.
The EU plans to amend the utility factor from November 29, with changes set to apply more widely from 2027. Müller argued that Europe risks losing a technology that is in demand worldwide, urging Brussels to "give plug-in technology a future."
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