China Overtakes US as Germany's Top Trading Partner

In 2025, China surpassed the United States to become Germany's most important trading partner, with a total trade volume of €251.8 billion. This marks a 2.1% increase for China, which had previously held the top spot from 2016 to 2023. German trade with the United States, totaling €240.5 billion, was negatively affected by tariff disputes under President Donald Trump, leading to a 5% decline in overall trade and a 9.4% decrease in German exports to the United States, particularly in cars and related parts. Chinese imports to Germany rose by 8.8%, with economists suggesting that China is diverting goods to Europe due to US tariffs. Conversely, US producers have increased their exports to Germany by 2.7% due to easier access to the European Union market. German exporters, represented by Dirk Jandura of the Federal Wholesale and Foreign Trade Association, have expressed concerns about protectionism and declining exports to China, urging for diversification of supply chains and new markets.