berlin: The German business community is preparing for possible trade restrictions after Republican former US President Donald Trump won a second term, defeating his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the 2024 race for the White House. Trump's potential policies could create significant disruptions to Germany's industrial sector with high tariffs, leading to uncertainty for companies operating within the country and a possible slowdown in investments. According to Anadolu Agency, President-elect Trump, 78, will be sworn in on January 20. Throughout his campaign, he expressed intentions to impose higher tariffs. The German government, already facing challenges due to controversies over climate targets, losses in state elections, and economic issues, may see further instability. Disagreements among coalition parties regarding economic and industrial policies could potentially result in early elections. Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), stated that Trump's victory co mplicates trade relations with the US, urging the business community to prepare for protectionist measures. He also noted the possibility of China overtaking the US as Germany's most important trading partner within the year. Hildegard Muller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), highlighted the significance of the US in the German automotive sector, with over 900,000 German vehicles produced in the US last year, supporting 138,000 jobs. Dirk Jandura, President of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), emphasized the importance of maintaining the US as Germany's key ally amid global unrest, despite concerns over anticipated tariffs on European and Chinese imports. Markus Steilemann, President of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), stressed the US's role as Germany's most crucial non-EU market for pharmaceutical exports. He called on the German government and European policymakers to seek solutions through policy adjustments, advoca ting for diversified trade relations, new free trade agreements, and strengthened partnerships.