Germany's export activity recorded a modest decline in May 2025, falling by 1.4% compared to April, while imports dropped more steeply by 3.8%, according to provisional figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This left the country's seasonally and calendar-adjusted trade surplus at €18.4 billion, up from €15.7 billion in April, but down from €22.3 billion a year ago.
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Overall, Germany exported goods worth €129.4 billion and imported goods valued at €111.1 billion in May 2025. Compared with May 2024, this marks a 0.4% increase in exports and a 4.2% increase in imports.
EU trade slowed, with exports to the bloc down 2.2% to €71.3 billion and imports down 3.6% to €57.7 billion. Within the eurozone, German exports declined 2.6%, while imports dropped 3.2%. Exports to non-euro EU members also fell by 1.3%, with a sharper 4.2% drop in imports from those countries.
Trade with non-EU countries (third countries) was relatively stable. Exports dipped slightly by 0.3% to €58.1 billion, while imports contracted by 4.1% to €53.3 billion.
The United States remained Germany's top export destination, but exports to the US dropped 7.7% month-on-month to €12.1 billion, the lowest level since March 2022. Compared to May 2024, this represents a 13.8% year-on-year decline.
Exports to China fell by 2.9% to €6.8 billion. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom surged by 15.1% to €7.2 billion.
China was the largest source of German imports at €13.8 billion, although this was 1.0% lower than April. Imports from the United States saw a more substantial 10.7% decline, falling to €7.4 billion, while imports from the United Kingdom rose 4.0% to €3.1 billion.
Notably, trade with Russia showed continued volatility. Exports to Russia dropped 12.1% month-on-month to €0.5 billion and fell 11.1% year-on-year, while imports from Russia rose 9.4% from April, but remained down 39.8% year-on-year.
Destatis notes that 'in all reports on economic indicators, it is important to observe the different comparison periods,' with monthly adjusted values giving short-term trends, while annual comparisons reflect longer-term shifts.
Full detailed figures for May will be available from Destatis on 18 July 2025.
More information:
Destatis
www.destatis.de