Why It Matters

VDMS America Inc., representing German industrial machinery manufacturers, is entering federal lobbying because the Trump administration’s tariff regime has created a scenario where more than half of German machinery exports to the U.S. face potential tariffs, with additional 50% levies on steel and aluminum derivatives. A Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation into robotics and industrial machinery could impact roughly half a trillion dollars in annual imports.

Rather than directly opposing tariffs—a politically untenable position—VDMS’s strategy focuses on congressional oversight. The organization is prioritizing the Trade Review Act of 2025, which would require Congress to approve any unilateral tariffs imposed by the executive. This legislation has gained bipartisan support from seven Republicans and seven Democrats, making it a viable legislative avenue.

By the Numbers

VDMS America Inc. retained Mercury Public Affairs LLC in February 2025, marking its first official lobbying engagement. The lobbying team consists of three registered lobbyists:

  • Bryan Lanza: Brings extensive trade and tariff expertise, having represented foreign companies like Cosentino SAU and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. on technology and trade issues.

  • Patrick Charles Costello: The only team member with Capitol Hill experience, serving as Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV). His background includes work on duty suspensions and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, and recently represented Gotion Inc. and Korea Zinc Co. Ltd. on manufacturing and trade.

  • Trent Lefkowitz: Focuses on manufacturing and trade issues, representing Gotion Inc. on domestic manufacturing and Camel Energy Inc. on automotive supply chain issues.

The Agenda

VDMS America Inc. is lobbying on trade policy and tariff legislation with specific priorities:

  • The Trade Review Act of 2025, requiring congressional approval for unilateral executive tariffs
  • U.S. government investigations into robotics and industrial machinery
  • Steel and aluminum derivative tariffs and documentation requirements
  • Trade and tariff issues, including reciprocal tariffs
  • Manufacturing goals and tariff impacts on American producers

Broader Context

VDMS enters federal lobbying during the most aggressive tariff regime in decades. While the EU negotiated a baseline 15% rate in July 2025, the administration simultaneously imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives—core components of German machinery exports.

Key legislative opportunities include the Trade Review Act’s bipartisan support and the Supreme Court actively questioning the President’s tariff authority under IEEPA. U.S. manufacturers reliant on imported machinery components face rising costs, creating natural coalition partners for VDMS’s lobbying efforts.

Between The Lines

The H.R. 735 – United States Reciprocal Trade Act remains the foundational authorization for reciprocal tariffs, which VDMS will likely seek to moderate. The Trade Review Act represents their primary legislative vehicle for constraining executive tariff authority.

Recent congressional hearings demonstrate intense focus on tariff impacts. The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee held hearings on trade policy, while a Senate Small Business Committee hearing highlighted how tariffs adversely affect manufacturers relying on imported components.

Key allies include Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Rep. Suzan DelBene, who champion congressional tariff oversight.

Competitive Landscape

VDMS enters a crowded lobbying space. The most significant player is VDMA America Inc., which appears closely related and lobbies on identical issues, supporting the Trade Review Act and opposing Section 232 tariffs.

Potential allies include the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and CandyCo LLC, while adversaries include Atalco Gramercy LLC, which advocates for increased tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The Bottom Line

VDMS faces an existential threat but is pursuing a pragmatic dual strategy: supporting congressional oversight through the Trade Review Act while building coalitions with U.S. manufacturers dependent on imported components. Success will depend on positioning German machinery imports as integral to U.S. competitiveness rather than foreign competition, leveraging both potential Supreme Court constraints on presidential tariff power and bipartisan congressional concerns about tariff impacts on American manufacturers.

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