In 2024, China regained its position as Germany's primary trading partner, surpassing the United States, which previously held the top rank. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the total foreign trade volume with China rose by over two percent to €251.8 billion, while trade with the USA decreased by five percent to €240.5 billion. This shift indicates significant geo-economic changes affecting the German industry, as noted by Sebastian Dullien, scientific director at the Institute for Macroeconomics and Business Cycle Research (IMK).

Despite the high tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, the USA remains the largest consumer of German exports. However, German exports to the US saw a notable decline, dropping by over nine percent to around €146 billion. This downturn highlights the challenges faced by German manufacturers in the current global economic landscape, where reliance on certain markets can lead to vulnerabilities.

The data points to a broader trend in Germany's trading partnerships, reflecting shifts in global economic power. The renewed importance of China as a trading partner could have long-term implications for Germany, particularly as it navigates its relationships with both China and the United States amid changing political and economic climates.