Trending 
German industrial orders unexpectedly declined in June, with new data showing a 1.0% drop from the previous month.
This marks the second consecutive month of decline and goes against analysts’ expectations of a rebound.
According to the federal statistics agency Destatis, the fall was primarily driven by a 3.0% decrease in foreign orders, particularly from outside the Eurozone.
Orders from key sectors like automotive, transport, and metal products also saw significant drops.
The economy ministry attributed the volatility to “persistent high levels of trade and geopolitical uncertainty.”
It also noted that the industrial sector will likely face subdued foreign demand due to permanently higher tariffs on exports to the United States.
This comes as the EU and the U.S. prepare for new, across-the-board 15% tariffs on EU exports to take effect on Thursday.
A recent survey by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) found that 72% of German companies are already feeling the negative effects of U.S. trade policy, with 58% fearing new burdens.
DIHK executive director Helena Melnikov stated that “US tariff policy has no winners” and harms businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The German economy has struggled with two years of contraction, and while some forecasts have been slightly upgraded, the government’s official prediction for 2025 is still zero growth.
