By Maria Martinez BERLIN, April 8 (Reuters) - German exporters are still broadly optimistic about growth in overseas sales despite the Iran war, although concerns over payment delays, supply chains
German Exporters Remain Optimistic Despite Iran Conflict and Trade War Risks
German Export Outlook Amid Geopolitical and Economic Challenges
By Maria Martinez
BERLIN, April 8 (Reuters) - German exporters are still broadly optimistic about growth in overseas sales despite the Iran war, although concerns over payment delays, supply chains and geopolitical risks are rising, Allianz Trade said on Wednesday.
Survey Results and Export Revenue Expectations
In a survey taken before the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, the trade credit insurer said 83% of German firms still expected export revenues to rise in 2026 above the global average of 75%. Some 6,000 companies across 13 markets participated in the survey.
Most German exporters expect only moderate growth over the next 12 months, however, and sentiment remains fragile.
Trade War Worries and Regional Conflicts
TRADE WAR WORRIES OUTWEIGH MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
Allianz Trade said the impact of the Iran war on exporters' expectations had so far been limited compared with the shock caused by trade tensions in 2025.
Impact of U.S. Trade War on German Exporters
At the same time, German firms were more pessimistic about the fallout of the U.S. trade war than they were immediately after "Liberation Day" a year ago when U.S. President Donald Trump announced his tariff plans, with 49% expecting negative effects in 2026.
Concerns Over Payment Delays and Supply Chains
Nearly half of German exporters expect worsening payment behaviour and 40% envisage a rise in payment defaults.
The biggest risks cited in the survey were geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruption, and payment delays.
Shifting Export Destinations
Allianz Trade said Europe and Asia were becoming more attractive destinations for future export growth, while the U.S. was losing appeal.
(Reporting by Maria MartinezEditing by Madeline Chambers)
