After a challenging 2025 marked by political uncertainty and the impact of tariffs, German companies in the U.S. are anticipating a rebound in 2026.
- Sales Development: 82% of German companies in the U.S. expect sales growth in 2026, after 64% saw growth and 23% experienced a decline in 2025.
- Challenges: Political uncertainty (46%) and the financial impact of tariffs (44%) replace shortage of skilled workers as top challenges for German companies in the U.S.
- Tariffs: 86% of the respondents report negative impacts from U.S. tariff policies, while 31% saw positive effects from tariffs.
- Investment: 67% plan to increase their U.S. investments in 2026; 56% intend to invest at least over 1 million USD over the next three years. Workforce development and digital transformation are the top investment priorities.
- AI: 57% of companies have already implemented AI projects — more than twice as many as in the previous year (28%).
2026 German American Business Outlook
The German Chamber offices surveyed German subsidiaries in the United States about their views on the US as an investment location for the GABO 2026 results.
The results presentation and a panel discussion took place on Friday, March 6th, 2026, as part of our German American Executive Summit 2026 in New Orleans.