From Germany to Italy and France, the various effects of American taxes

US President Donald Trump announced Customs duties at 15% on Sunday for all European Union (EU) countries, but these, more or less exporters, will not be penalized in the same way when the measurement comes into force on August 1.

In value. In addition, it is by far Germany which within the European Union exports the most goods to the United States, for an amount of $ 161.2 billion in 2024, followed by Ireland and Italy, respectively $ 72 and 64 billion, according to Eurostat data.

According to Eurostat, 20% of goods exported from the EU are intended for the United States.

The EU as a whole has released a trade surplus vis-à-vis the United States of 235.6 billion dollars (201.5 billion euros, 188.2 billion francs). In addition, according to the Economic Analysis Bureau (BEA), which depends on the US trade department and which published germany italy france, various effects its statistics for 2024 in early February. Meanwhile, Only China displays a higher amount.

Our Sunday article: Between two golf parties in Scotland. Meanwhile, Donald Trump imposes customs duties of 15% on the EU

Ireland, the special case – Germany italy france, various effects

Ireland records the widest trade surplus of EU members with $ 86.7 billion in value. Nevertheless, It is in the United States that Ireland exports more than a quarter of its products.

This is explained in particular by the establishment in Ireland of large American groups. In addition, notably pharmaceuticals, such as Pfizer, Eli Lilly or Johnson & Johnson who settled in this European country to benefit from a 15% tax on large companies, against 21% in the United States. These companies can thus host their patents in Ireland. sell on the American market, where the prices of medicines are traditionally higher than in the rest of the world. Donald Trump said on Sunday germany italy france, various effects that the pharmaceutical sector would not benefit from special treatment.

Ireland also welcomes most of the European seats of the American “Tech” giants. such as Apple, Google or Meta, also seduced by Irish taxation, on its soil.

Germany, the most exposed

First EU economy, Germany released a record trade surplus in 2024 with the United States reaching $ 84.8 billion.

The United States alone absorbed 10.5% of German exports, according to the German Statistics Office Destatis. Americans are fond of automotive brands from Germany, but also machine tools and “Made in Germany” pharmaceutical products.

The German central bank warned at the start of the year that the taxation of American customs duties on German. products could reduce the country’s gross domestic product by 1%.

Discover Our graphic analysis of six months of commercial battles

Italy. France, with a lesser impact

Italy and France, with 44 billion dollars respectively and $ 16.4 billion in excess germany italy france, various effects according to the Americans (but for France a deficit of a few billion. according to customs statistics), are likely to be less affected.

However, the impact varies from one sector of activity to another within each of these two economies. The food industry and wine products in particular would be affected in the two countries. Americans are used to consuming “Made in France”. “Made in Italy” products but could significantly love it if prices are climbing to account for customs duties.

The French luxury sector (perfumes, leather goods, etc.) is also very exposed. For the world number one LVMH luxury. a customs right of 15% “would be a good result”, said the group on Thursday by publishing its half -yearly results, marked by a fall in net profit and sales. He thinks he can compensate by increasing his prices and optimizing his production, especially in the United States.

Austria and Sweden also germany italy france, various effects concerned

Austria and Sweden are also in excess with the United States, respectively 13.1 billion and $ 9.8 billion.