Berlin – Germany’s foreign trade turnover has risen slightly in 2025, with China regaining its position as the country’s top trading partner, surpassing the United States. From January to September, Germany’s trade with China reached €185.9 billion, an increase of 0.6% from the previous year, driven largely by imports from the Far East, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden.
In contrast, Germany’s trade volume with the US dropped by 3.9%, falling to €184.7 billion. China had held the title of Germany’s largest trading partner from 2016 to 2023 before being overtaken by the US in 2024.
Despite a 12% decline in exports to China, which totaled €61.4 billion, the US remains Germany’s largest export market, with €112.7 billion in exports. Exports to the US have also fallen by 7.8%, but the country still holds the lead in terms of export volume.
Notably, China saw a significant 8.5% increase in imports to Germany, particularly in areas like electrical equipment, clothing, and machinery. Imports from the US, by comparison, grew by just over 2%.
With €124.5 billion in imports, China is now Germany’s largest supplier, ahead of the Netherlands. The US ranks third with nearly €72 billion in imports.
Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil, is currently visiting China to strengthen economic ties and promote further cooperation.
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