German-American Trade and Tech Dialogue 2025-2026
Transatlantic relationship has never been more important than it is today, yet at the same time, Germany, the EU, and the United States are experiencing a period of profound geopolitical turbulence. Systemic competition between democracies and autocracies is intensifying, while uncertainty, volatility, and rapid change have become defining features of the international order. The world faces a host of interlinked challenges: ensuring energy security, managing digital transformation, and defending democracies, all while managing the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and ongoing tensions with China. At the same time, both the United States and Germany must navigate sweeping social and economic transformations within their own societies.
Against this backdrop, the Aspen Institute Germany has been organizing the German-American Trade and Tech Dialogues (GATT-D) since 2022 with the aim of deepening the transatlantic partnership in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, technological competition, and economic upheaval. One year into the second Trump administration and the new Merz government, the transatlantic partners are struggling to align on China, technology policy, and the balance between domestic priorities and trade commitments. While the 2025 U.S.–EU tariff deal offered short-term stability, it remains fragile and leaves the relationship vulnerable to renewed uncertainty. Despite Merz’s efforts to rebuild trust, tensions persist over U.S. unilateral tariffs, energy demands, and Washington’s China strategy.
These challenges underline that while the Merz government is intent on anchoring the partnership, significant divergences in trade, industrial policy, and global strategy continue to test the resilience of U.S.-German relations.
What is GATT-D?
The GATT-Dialogue consist of three virtual workshops over the course of the year, bringing together high-level decision makers and leading experts to identify and discuss common challenges for German-American cooperation in the areas of trade and technology.
The workshops serve to promote networking and foster understanding of different priorities and perspectives in various industries and countries. The GATT-D attendees are high-level decision makers and experts in transatlantic trade and tech. Their diverse backgrounds foster productive, balanced discussions and strengthen the project’s overall impact and sustainability.
The workshops are held according to the Chatham House Rule. The first workshop will take place on January 27, 2026. The workshop will focus on how the United States and Europe can leverage recent trade developments and the 2026 U.S. G20 presidency to strengthen transatlantic economic cooperation, enhance supply chain resilience, and shape a forward-looking global economic agenda. Participants will also meet virtually in April and September and have the opportunity to attend the conference in Berlin on June 9-10, 2026. Further workshop dates and topics will be shared shortly. Stay tuned!
The German-American Trade and Tech Conference 2026
In addition to the three online workshops, the German-American Trade and Tech Conference will take place June 9-10, 2026. As the cornerstone of the GATT-D, the 1.5-day conference plays a key role in promoting understanding and trust between leading decision makers from Germany and the United States. The event offers a diverse program with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage intensively with current and relevant topics, including U.S.-German technology cooperation, the future of resilient digital supply chains, technology and democracy, research and development, and developments in the regulatory environment. More information will be available soon.
