Calculate Import Duty: Germany to USA

Germany is the third-largest source of US imports by value, dominated by vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The duty calculation in 2026 stacks MFN HTS plus 15 percent Section 122, with sectoral overlays from Section 232 on steel and aluminum and tariff-rate quota arrangements that have shifted year to year.

This guide explains each layer with worked examples. The calculator handles the math.

The duty layers for Germany to USA

For a typical Germany to USA entry in 2026:

1. MFN HTS rate from the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
2. Section 122 reciprocal tariff of 15 percent.
3. Section 232 at 25 percent on steel and aluminum derivatives, subject to TRQ availability and melt-and-pour rules.
4. MPF and HMF.
5. No Section 301 (Germany is not in scope).
6. No preferential FTA (no US-EU trade agreement exists).

The end of the post-Brexit EU-US calm

From 2021 to early 2026 the EU-US tariff relationship was relatively calm. A bilateral truce on the Airbus-Boeing dispute removed retaliatory measures. A steel-and-aluminum TRQ arrangement let EU steel enter the US duty-free within a quota.

Section 122 in February 2026 changed that. Although Germany is not a target country in the legal sense, the proclamation's broad scope captured all non-USMCA, non-exempt imports including German ones. The auto industry took the largest hit: German passenger cars went from 2.5 percent MFN to 17.5 percent overnight.

The EU has opened consultations at the WTO and is considering Article XII or Section 122-equivalent reciprocal measures of its own. As of mid-2026 the situation is fluid; the sunset clause around 24 July 2026 may provide relief if not extended.

Worked example: 1,000,000 USD of automotive transmissions

A German Tier-1 supplier ships 1,000 automatic transmissions for installation in US-built passenger cars. Total invoice 1,000,000 USD FOB Bremerhaven, 35,000 USD ocean freight to Charleston, 4,500 USD insurance. HTS 8708.40.50 (transmissions for passenger vehicles), MFN 2.5 percent.

Landed cost before broker and trucking: 1,000,000 + 35,000 + 4,500 + 176,864.35 = 1,216,364.35 USD. The effective duty rate jumped from 2.5 percent to 17.6 percent of FOB. This single shipment now carries 150,000 USD more in duty than it did in January 2026.

Run your own numbers in the calculator.

Sectoral arrangements: steel and aluminum

Under the 2021 EU-US arrangement (renewed through 2025), EU steel and aluminum could enter the US duty-free within a tariff-rate quota measured per quarter. The arrangement was tied to a Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum negotiation that did not conclude.

As of mid-2026:

• The 2021 TRQ structure remains in operation pending renewal.
• Within-quota: 0 percent Section 232.
• Over-quota: 25 percent Section 232.
• Section 122 does not stack on Section 232 portions (anti-stacking).

Quota fill is announced weekly by the Commerce Department. German producers tracking their EU-wide allocation can predict over-quota dates.

High-traffic HS chapters for Germany to USA

Chapter 87: vehicles and parts

The big one. Passenger cars (HTS 8703.23.00 for spark-ignition engines 1500-3000cc): MFN 2.5 percent plus 15 percent Section 122 = 17.5 percent. Heavy trucks: 25 percent MFN plus 15 percent = 40 percent. Auto parts (HTS 8708): typically 2.5 percent MFN plus 15 percent = 17.5 percent.

Chapter 84: machinery

Industrial machinery, machine tools, pumps. MFN rates are typically 0 to 4.7 percent. Section 122 adds 15 percent. A 2,000,000 USD CNC machine that paid 47,000 USD in MFN duty now adds 300,000 USD in Section 122.

Chapter 85: electrical machinery

Power generation equipment, electric motors, transformers. MFN typically 0 to 5.5 percent. Section 122 adds 15 percent.

Chapter 30: pharmaceuticals

Most German pharma exports are chapter 30 finished dosage forms or APIs. WTO Pharmaceutical Agreement sets MFN at 0 percent. Section 122 status: most APIs are on the exemption list; some finished forms are not. Check by eight-digit HTS.

Chapter 90: precision instruments

German optical and measurement instruments are highly competitive. MFN typically 0 to 3.5 percent. Section 122 applies at 15 percent.

Chapter 39: plastics

German plastic intermediates. MFN typically 3 to 6.5 percent. Section 122 adds 15 percent.

Country of origin: substantial transformation in Germany

For non-FTA contexts, US CBP applies the substantial transformation test. German-finished goods are clearly German-origin if the manufacturing in Germany produces a new and different article. Re-export of finished Chinese product through a German warehouse does not establish German origin; the goods remain Chinese for Section 122 purposes (and Section 301 if applicable).

Anti-dumping orders on German goods

A small number of active US AD/CVD orders cover specific German exports:

• Certain pipe and tube
• Some specialty chemicals
• Steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar): not active on Germany currently
• Magnesium: producer-specific, narrow scope

Verify current orders via the LandedFees duty rates tool.

Customs procedures

A German exporter typically ships under Incoterms FCA, FOB, CIF, or DDP. The IOR (importer of record) on the US side handles entry. Standard documents:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or AWB
• Certificate of origin (Germany declaration)
• Manufacturers affidavit for steel melt source (if Section 232 applies)
• ISF-10 (importer security filing) 24 hours before vessel loading

US broker fees: 100 to 400 USD per entry. Brokerage often handled by the customs broker affiliated with the freight forwarder.

How the calculator handles this lane

When you select Origin: Germany and Destination: USA in the calculator:

1. Looks up MFN HTS rate.
2. Applies 15 percent Section 122 unless the HTS is exempt.
3. Checks chapter 72, 73, 76, 84-X, 87-X for Section 232 with TRQ availability.
4. Applies anti-stacking for Section 122 vs 232.
5. Adds MPF and HMF.

Related guides

• Calculate Import Duty: China to USA
• Calculate Import Duty: Japan to USA
• Calculate Import Duty: China to Germany
• What is Section 122? The 2026 Reciprocal Tariff Explained
• Section 232 vs 301 vs 122: How US Tariffs Stack in 2026
• Aluminum HS Codes Under Section 232

Run your own numbers in the Germany to USA calculator.