Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said China has reclaimed its position as the country’s most important trading partner, with total trade between the two nations last year reaching €251.8 billion ($296.6 billion), a 2.1% increase.
China had been Germany’s top partner from 2016 through 2023; the US briefly held the title in 2024. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is due to visit China next week to discuss trade and other issues.
Germany imported €170.6 billion worth of goods from China last year, up 8.8% on the year. Major Chinese imports were data processing equipment, electrical equipment and machinery. German exports to China fell to €81.3 billion, down 9.7%.
The US was Germany’s second-largest partner, with a foreign trade turnover of €240.5 billion, a 5% decline. German exports to the US dropped to €146.2 billion, down 9.4% year-on-year; cars and car parts were among the hardest hit sectors, falling 17.8%. The decline followed tariffs on imported goods imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar
