Group 1 - The German government forecasts a modest economic growth of 0.2% in 2025, with a potential acceleration starting in 2026, despite external uncertainties such as U.S. trade policies [1][2] - The current economic recovery in Germany is driven by domestic demand rather than foreign trade, particularly through consumption and public investment [1] - High government spending, including infrastructure and defense investments, will be crucial for economic growth, contingent upon the implementation of structural reforms [1] Group 2 - After two consecutive years of economic contraction in 2023 and 2024, Germany experienced a quarter-on-quarter growth of 0.3% in the first quarter of this year [2] - The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on imported goods, effective from April, led to a quarter-on-quarter decline of 0.3% in the second quarter, with expectations of continued weak performance in the third quarter [2] - A joint forecast by five major German economic research institutions indicates that U.S. tariffs will severely impact the global economy, suppressing Germany's export growth and contributing to the projected 0.2% growth in 2025 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The German government forecasts a modest economic growth of 0.2% in 2025, with potential acceleration starting in 2026, but faces external uncertainties, particularly from U.S. trade policies [1][2]. Economic Growth Projections - The German economy is expected to recover gradually, with growth driven by domestic demand rather than foreign trade, particularly through consumption and public investment [1]. - Economic growth is projected to strengthen from the end of this year into early next year, with a potential growth rate of 1.3% in 2026 [1]. Government Spending and Structural Reforms - Future economic growth will heavily rely on high government spending, including infrastructure and defense investments, contingent upon the implementation of structural reforms [1]. Impact of U.S. Trade Policies - The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on imports, particularly on automobiles, has negatively impacted the German economy, leading to a contraction in the second quarter of this year [2]. - The joint forecast from five major German economic research institutions indicates that external demand weakness will suppress export growth, contributing to the anticipated 0.2% growth in 2025 [2].