Germany's engineering industry association warned Donald Trump on Wednesday not to enforce the protectionist trade measures he promised during his election campaign, saying it would hurt the US economy as well as German exports.

"If the world's biggest economy follows a protectionist course its effects will be felt around the world. We can only hope that his words are not followed by corresponding deeds," said VDMA association head Thilo Brodtmann.

The US overtook China last year as Germany's biggest export market for capital goods, with exports worth almost €17 billion.

Germany’s BDI industry association said there was great uncertainty in the economy after Trump’s victory, and urged him not to pursue an isolationist course.

"The uncertainty in the economy is huge. Donald Trump would be well advised not to seal off the US economy from the world," said BDI president Ulrich Grillo. "Otherwise uncertainty about the future direction will lead to significant negative effects for the world economy."

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the EU and the US would continue to work together following Trump's election.

"EU-US ties are deeper than any change in politics. We'll continue to work together, rediscovering the strength of Europe, " Ms Mogherini, high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a tweet.

EU officials and diplomats said European governments may need to strengthen their own co-operation if a Trump administration pulls back from international commitments.