The survey, conducted by the Ifo Institute for Economic Research, showed that 44 percent of companies expressed these concerns, while only 5 percent of companies expected positive effects if he won. Trump In the elections, while 51 percent of companies did not expect any difference from the current situation.
Andreas Bauer, an expert at the Ifo Institute, said: “Companies that have close economic ties with… US In particular, it expects negative consequences if Trump wins the elections… However, many companies that do not have direct export relations to the United States of America also fear negative effects, because they may be affected indirectly as suppliers,” according to what Reported by the German News Agency.
However, only a small percentage of companies surveyed plan to take adaptation measures. According to the survey, which included about two thousand companies, 4 percent of companies are considering, for example, moving more production to the United States or modifying supply chains. 83 percent of companies do not intend to take such measures, and the remaining companies have not yet determined their position.
According to experts, the fears are justified, with Bauer writing in reference to a previous study that the tariffs pledged by Trump alone would reduce German exports to the United States by approximately 15 percent. A recent survey by the Center for European Economic Research (ZEW), which included financial experts, came to the conclusion that a Kamala Harris victory in the election might be better for the German economy.
The United States is considered an important export market for German industry. About 40 percent of the companies surveyed confirmed this for their own businesses. When it comes to imports, the United States represents only 11 percent of companies.
The poll indicated that those who believe Harris would be better for their own businesses give her a slightly better forecast of winning on average — and vice versa.