China has once again become Germany's most important trading partner, surpassing the United States in the period from January to September 2025. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), foreign trade turnover with China amounted to €185.9 billion, a 0.6% increase compared with the same period in 2024. In contrast, trade turnover with the United States fell by 3.9% to €184.7 billion.
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The change in ranking marks a return to the status quo prior to 2024. "China had already been Germany's most important trading partner from 2016 to 2023, but relinquished first place to the United States in 2024," Destatis noted.
The composition of trade shows diverging trends. German exports to China fell sharply by 12.3%, while exports to the United States decreased by 7.8%. Conversely, imports from China rose by 8.5%, and imports from the United States increased by 2.8%. The motor vehicle sector was a key contributor to the decline in exports to both markets.
This data highlights the ongoing significance of China in Germany's global trade landscape, both as a supplier and as a destination for German goods. The slight overall increase in trade with China is driven primarily by rising imports, partially offsetting the fall in exports.
Destatis emphasises that detailed trade data for January to September 2025 are available in the GENESIS-Online database (tables 51000), with selected tables also accessible via the Foreign Trade section of the Federal Statistical Office's website.
More information:
Destatis
www.destatis.de
