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%).
Read the full 2026 GABO Results!
GABO 2026 Press Release:
New Orleans, LA, March 6, 2026 – The German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs) published the 2026 German American Business Outlook (GABO) results at the German American Executive Summit. With 243 respondents from German companies active in the U.S., this report offers a first look into German companies’ expectations for transatlantic business in the coming years.
Read the 2026 GABO Press Release
The U.S. remains a growth market, and companies are investing accordingly. Our members are navigating the political uncertainty with pragmatism and resilience even as they wish for more predictability and tariff relief.”
–Matthias Amberg, Chairman of the German American Chambers of Commerce
About the German American Business Outlook (GABO):
The German American Business Outlook (GABO) is an annual survey of German-American business relations directed at German subsidiaries in the US assessing current economic developments and trends in transatlantic business. The survey is one of the most important economic indicators of German American business relations. Each year, the German American Chambers of Commerce survey German subsidiaries in the United States on their views of the US as an investment location.