As the U.

S. presidential election looms, German companies are expressing concerns over potential trade barriers if Donald Trump wins.

According to a survey by the German Chamber of Commerce, businesses are hesitant to invest until there's clarity on future economic policies.

The fear is that a Trump victory could complicate global economic conditions, particularly with his proposed tariffs, which could disrupt supply chains and increase trade barriers.

Michael Hüther, director of the German Economic Institute, warns that Trump's tariff plans could be disastrous for Germany's export-driven economy, which is already in a structural crisis.

The U.

S. is Germany's largest export partner, and industries like automotive and machinery are heavily reliant on this trade.

Former EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström also fears that Trump's tariff increases could significantly raise costs for European goods, leading to economic retaliation from the EU.

Despite these concerns, some German companies remain optimistic about stable business prospects in the U.

S., especially in sectors like automotive and renewable energy.