< p > Trump Wields Tariff Hammer, German Automakers Nervous < / p > < p > The Trump administration has departed from decades of trade conventions, threatening high tariffs that have left deep marks. German automakers can only wait and hope for a slight chance. < / p > < p > Trump's tariff plan has hit Germany, especially its auto industry, particularly hard. < / p > < p > A research by Commerzbank shows that Germany is not even the largest car exporter to North America. Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and Canada export more finished vehicles to the U.S. According to German Federal Statistical Office data, in 2024, Germany exported about 3.4 million cars worldwide, with the largest recipient being the U.S. < / p > < p > "Advance Export": German Companies Increase Inventory in the U.S. < / p > < p > Since Trump announced his so-called "Liberty Day" tariff plan, the automotive industry has seen a reverse trend: the number of cars produced and delivered to the U.S. has increased. < / p > < p > Automotive expert Dudenhoeffer said that this is what automobile manufacturers are doing to increase inventory in the U.S. as much as possible before the threatened high tariffs take effect. < / p > < p > Automotive expert Blaetz also holds this view, stating that automobile manufacturers "ship as many cars as possible to the U.S. before the tariffs take effect." < / p > < p > London Hopes < / p > < p > Politicians and business circles are very concerned about Trump's policies. If viewed positively, it could be called "flexibility," as shown by the unexpected agreement reached between Washington and Beijing. Or the example of the U.K. < / p > < p > According to BBC reports, Washington and London have reached an agreement on bilateral auto tariffs. It is said that if the number of cars exported from the U.K. to the U.S. is within 100,000 units, the tariff will be reduced to 10%. 100,000 units or thereabouts roughly equals the number of cars exported last year. If it exceeds 100,000 units, the U.S. will impose a 27.5% import tax on it. < / p > < p > Is flexibility Trump's trump card? < / p > < p > Trump's economic policy is like a roller coaster. Expert Blaetz said that for Trump, flexibility is a trump card, but "for manufacturers and parts suppliers, it is poison because investments and supply chains must be long-term." < / p > < p > Döhse of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy pointed out that European automakers already face many challenges. Overall production costs are high, and they lack "attractive models, especially in the electric vehicle sector," which means "losing competitiveness against Chinese competitors." < / p > < p > To avoid high tariffs in the long term, some German automakers plan to transfer production to the U.S. Döhse told DW: "Audi is even considering building a factory there. Perhaps Audi and Porsche can build a factory together in the U.S." < / p > < p > However, investing in the U.S. is not the ultimate way to escape the tariff trap. Even if cars are made in the U.S., they still rely on imported components. This applies to American companies as well. Many components of "Made in the U.S." cars come from other countries. < / p > < p > This is the concept of "division of labor." Blaetz believes that Trump does not truly understand the benefits of international division of labor. As a result: "Ultimately, the 'America First' slogan may cause sensitive harm to America's well-being." < / p > < p > Döhse believes: "The effects of tariffs and their diversity have not been thoroughly considered. Trump's statements keep changing and being modified, which also shows this." < / p > < p > Experts Suggest: Turn to Southeast Asian Markets < / p > < p > Expert Dudenhoeffer suggests that the German automotive industry should maintain its stance, as the situation has never been so unclear. He recommends that future investments should consider Asia. < / p > < p > Döhse also stated that companies should expand production to multiple countries to avoid being affected by trade restrictions from a single country. < / p > < p > Blaetz cited the principle of "producing where you sell." Automotive analyst Schwörup told DW: "In the long run, automakers can strengthen their shift to Southeast Asian markets to reduce dependence on two major markets." < / p > < p > Source: DW < / p > < p > < img src = "//p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-ezhpy3drpa/3269724fdb0744a581e7fe3f5d4e0c2b~tplv-obj:1002:437.image?_iz=97245&bid=15&from=post&gid=1832460373947529&lk3s=06827d14&x-expires=1755302400&x-signature=8wwJUUb5B6lULgfQ6QRQSlt4YTk%3D" / > < img src = "//p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-ezhpy3drpa/c63f1e5dda77438585deb41cbfa87c5b~tplv-obj:969:525.image?_iz=97245&bid=15&from=post&gid=1832460373947529&lk3s=06827d14&x-expires=1755302400&x-signature=LuUkhHX3UIpm5RCfSzU9%2FNSsqZY%3D" / > < img src = "//p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-ezhpy3drpa/2f59cbca2b7e4e54911f49aaf16a9c63~tplv-obj:997:535.image?_iz=97245&bid=15&from=post&gid=1832460373947529&lk3s=06827d14&x-expires=1755302400&x-signature=ikYDrmtc80hCWoIsawViJA9x5OA%3D" / > < / p > < p > Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832460373947529/ < / p > < p > Statement: The article represents the author's personal views. < / p >