France vs Germany: Import Tariff Comparison 2026

Both France and Germany have bilateral trade agreements with the United States, but at different negotiated rates — 15% for France and 15% for Germany. These bilateral deals replace the standard Section 122 global surcharge, giving these trading partners differentiated tariff treatment compared to countries without formal agreements. For importers of wine spirits, the total effective rate from France is 4.5% while Germany comes in at 4.5%. The bilateral frameworks provide a degree of rate certainty, though the legal durability of these deals remains subject to ongoing trade policy developments following the February 2026 IEEPA ruling. Both countries represent more predictable tariff environments than non-deal countries that face the uniform Section 122 rate of 15%.

France
4.5%
VS
Germany
4.5%

Tariff Rate Comparison

Wine & Spirits
France flag
France
MFN Base Rate4.50%
Section 1220.00%
Section 232N/A
Section 301N/A
Bilateral DealN/A
Total4.50%
Germany flag
Germany
MFN Base Rate4.50%
Section 1220.00%
Section 232N/A
Section 301N/A
Bilateral DealN/A
Total4.50%

Rate Comparison by Product Category

ProductFranceGermanySavings ($10K)
wine spirits4.5%4.5%$0
industrial machinery17.0%17.0%$0
pharmaceutical ingredients2.0%2.0%$0
auto parts components28.0%28.0%$0
aircraft parts0.0%0.0%$0

Trade Agreement Status

France has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard Section 122 rate of 15% on most imports. Germany has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard Section 122 rate of 15% on most imports. For products under Section 232 national security tariffs, the bilateral deal or Section 122 rate does not apply — S232 rates govern instead. China-origin goods additionally face Section 301 tariffs that stack on top of all other duties, making trade agreement status a defining factor in the total tariff burden.

When to Source from Each Country

France offers lower tariff rates across all focus product categories in this comparison, making it the more cost-effective sourcing origin from a tariff perspective. Source from Germany when its supplier relationships, product specialization, or geographic advantages outweigh the tariff cost differential. Always model total landed cost — including freight, insurance, MPF, and HMF fees — before finalizing sourcing decisions.

Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment

Wine & Spirits
France

Full Landed Cost Breakdown

Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)

Wine & Spirits from France
Section 122 exempt product
Results
$11,074.49
Total Landed Cost
Customs Value (FOB + Shipping + Insurance)$10,550.00
MFN Duty (4.50%)$474.75
Total Duties$474.75
MPF (0.3464% merchandise processing)$36.55
HMF (0.125% harbor maintenance, ocean)$13.19
Total Fees & Duties$524.49
Total Landed Cost$11,074.49
Effective Rate4.50%
Germany

Full Landed Cost Breakdown

Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)

Wine & Spirits from Germany
Section 122 exempt product
Results
$11,074.49
Total Landed Cost
Customs Value (FOB + Shipping + Insurance)$10,550.00
MFN Duty (4.50%)$474.75
Total Duties$474.75
MPF (0.3464% merchandise processing)$36.55
HMF (0.125% harbor maintenance, ocean)$13.19
Total Fees & Duties$524.49
Total Landed Cost$11,074.49
Effective Rate4.50%

Savings Analysis

On a $10,000 shipment of wine spirits, importing from France saves $0 in duties compared to Germany — a 0% reduction in total import costs. France incurs $475 in duties on the $10,000 shipment, while Germany incurs $475. This difference compounds across larger order volumes and is a key factor in supplier selection decisions for importers sourcing wine spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total effective tariff rate on wine spirits is 4.5% from France and 4.5% from Germany under current 2026 tariff policy. These rates include the MFN base rate, applicable Section 122 surcharge or bilateral deal rate, Section 232 duties for covered products, and Section 301 tariffs for Chinese goods. Use the CalcMyTariff.com calculator above to enter your specific invoice value and shipping details for a precise landed cost breakdown.

France does not have a formal trade agreement with the United States. Imports from France are subject to the standard Section 122 global surcharge of 15% on most goods, stacked on top of MFN base rates.

Germany does not have a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Standard Section 122 surcharge rates apply on top of MFN base rates for imports from Germany.

France is cheaper for industrial machinery with a 17% total tariff rate, compared to 17% from Germany. On a $10,000 shipment, this 0% rate difference saves $0 in duties when sourcing from France.

Section 122, enacted in February 2026 for up to 150 days, imposes a global surcharge on most US imports. France is exempt from Section 122 for this product category. Germany is exempt from Section 122 for this product category. Note that Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026 — importers should model both current and post-expiry scenarios when planning shipments.

Disclaimer: CalcMyTariff.com provides tariff estimates for informational purposes only. Actual duty rates depend on the specific HTS classification of your goods, which requires professional customs brokerage expertise. Rates shown reflect our best interpretation of currently published tariff schedules and may not include all applicable duties, anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, or special tariffs. Consult a licensed US customs broker for binding determinations. Tariff rates change frequently — verify current rates with CBP or USITC before making import decisions.

Tariff rates from Tax Foundation, USITC, and Penn Wharton Budget Model. Last verified March 27, 2026.