China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s most important trading partner, according to figures released by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Total trade between Germany and China reached €251.8 billion in 2025, up 2.1% from the previous year.
China was Germany’s most important trading partner from 2016 all the way through to 2023. In 2024, the US briefly held the title.
Key developments:
• Germany imported €170.6 billion worth of goods from China, an 8.8% increase, led by data processing equipment, electrical equipment, and machinery.
• German exports to China fell 9.7% to €81.3 billion.
• Trade with the US dropped 5% to €240.5 billion, with German exports falling 9.4%, notably in cars and car parts (-17.8%).
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit China next week to discuss trade and bilateral relations.
ℹ️ DW News
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