Germany’s trade landscape underwent a notable realignment in 2025, with China reclaiming its status as the country’s largest trading partner, new figures from the Federal Statistical Office reveal. Published on February 20, the report shows bilateral trade hitting 251.8 billion euros, up 2.1% from 2024 levels.
Breaking it down, Germany’s imports from China ballooned to 170.6 billion euros, cementing its decade-long dominance since 2015. Exports to China, however, lagged at 81.3 billion euros, perpetuating a deficit that has long concerned Berlin policymakers.
Meanwhile, trade with the United States faltered amid escalating tariffs and disputes. Total US-Germany trade volume dipped to 240.5 billion euros, a 5% drop year-on-year. Exports to America suffered the most, falling 9.4% to 146.2 billion euros, as American protectionism bit into German goods like vehicles and pharmaceuticals.
This pivot toward China isn’t without context. European exporters have leaned on the vast Chinese consumer base to offset sluggish domestic demand and global slowdowns. Yet, experts caution against complacency: rising labor costs in China and potential retaliatory measures could alter the equation.
The statistics paint a picture of pragmatic adaptation. German businesses, from Bavarian carmakers to chemical conglomerates, are doubling down on Asian ties while bracing for volatility in Western markets. As 2025 wraps up, this trade shift underscores a key truth— in an interconnected world, flexibility is the new currency of success.