Fresh insights into Germany’s 2025 trade performance spotlight China’s triumphant return to the top spot. The Federal Statistical Office’s February 20 data release confirms total trade with China at 251.8 billion euros, a 2.1% uptick that propelled it ahead of traditional allies.
Imports from China dominated at 170.6 billion euros—its unbroken streak as Germany’s leading supplier since 2015. German shipments to China totaled 81.3 billion euros, fueling growth in sectors like luxury autos and precision engineering.
Contrast this with the US, where trade volume shrank to 240.5 billion euros, down 5% annually. The starkest decline hit exports, which nosedived 9.4% to 146.2 billion euros, battered by US tariffs targeting European steel, autos, and tech.
Behind the numbers lies a story of strategic recalibration. With America erecting barriers, German firms have pivoted eastward, tapping China’s manufacturing prowess and burgeoning middle class. This isn’t mere opportunism; it’s a response to a fracturing global order where old partnerships yield to emerging realities.
Looking ahead, implications ripple across industries. Policymakers in Berlin face pressure to balance lucrative Chinese deals with calls for resilience against overreliance. For now, the data heralds a new chapter in Sino-German relations, one defined by volume, vitality, and a hint of vulnerability.