BERLIN (Reuters) - German carmakers BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are in talks with the U.S. Department of Commerce on a tariff deal that would involve a mechanism to offset imports and exports, the Handelsblatt business daily reported on Wednesday.

In return for tariff relief, the companies could invest billions in the United States, the report said citing company sources. It did not give a more exact sum.

The aim is to clinch a deal by early July, according to Handelsblatt.

(Writing by Rachel More; Editing by Madeline Chambers)