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International trade

China Overtakes US as Germany's Largest Trading Partner in 2025

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

China has dethroned the United States as Germany's largest trading partner in the first eight months of 2025, according to Germany's statistics office. This shift in trade patterns has been largely attributed to US President Donald Trump's renewed tariff campaign, which has significantly impacted German exports to the American market. Germany's exports to the US fell sharply, while imports from China surged, raising concerns about Germany's growing dependence on China.

Key Takeaways:

  • China has become Germany's largest trading partner, surpassing the US in the first eight months of 2025, with trade totalling $190.7 billion (163.4 billion euros).
  • Germany's trade with the US totalled $189 billion (162.8 billion euros) in the same period, marking a decline from 2024 when the US was Germany's top trading partner.
  • German exports to the US fell 7.4% in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • Exports to China dropped 13.5% year-on-year to $63.5 billion (54.7 billion euros) in the first eight months of 2025, while imports from China surged 8.3% to $126.4 billion (108.8 billion euros).
  • The renewed import boom from China is worrying, particularly as these imports come at dumping prices, increasing Germany's dependence on China.
  • Economist Salomon Fiedler of Berenberg Bank stated that weak domestic growth makes shifts on world markets troubling for Germany.

Statistics:

  • Trade between Germany and China totalled $190.7 billion (163.4 billion euros) from January to August 2025.
  • Germany's trade with the US stood at $189 billion (162.8 billion euros) in the same period.
  • US President Donald Trump's tariff campaign has hurt German exports to the American market.
  • German exports to the US fell 7.4% in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • Exports to China dropped 13.5% year-on-year to $63.5 billion (54.7 billion euros) in the first eight months of 2025.
  • Imports from China surged 8.3% to $126.4 billion (108.8 billion euros) in the same period.
  • Germany's dependence on China is growing, with imports from China making up a significant portion of Germany's trade.

Sources:

  • Reuters calculations based on preliminary data from Germany's statistics office.
  • Interviews with Dirk Jandura, president of Germany's BGA foreign trade association.
  • Comments from Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING.
  • Statements from economist Salomon Fiedler of Berenberg Bank.
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from The New Nation.

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