Recent data from the German Federal Statistical Office reveals that China has officially overtaken the United States to become Germany's largest trading partner. In 2025, the volume of exports and imports between Germany and China reached 251.8 billion euros, reflecting a 2.1% increase compared to 2024. This significant shift indicates China's growing economic presence in Europe, particularly in Germany, which has historically had strong trade relations with the United States.

In 2025, Germany imported goods worth 170.6 billion euros from China, marking an 8.8% increase from the previous year. Conversely, German exports to China totaled 81.3 billion euros, indicating a 9.7% decrease from 2024. This decline in exports may signal challenges in the German economy regarding its competitiveness in the Chinese market, and it raises questions about the implications for German businesses operating abroad, especially in light of China's economic policies.

The United States remains Germany's second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 240.5 billion euros in 2025, a decline of 5% from the year before. The drop in exports to the U.S. is attributed to high tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on foreign goods. This development signifies a reshaping of global trade dynamics, with potential effects on both economies and their respective markets, particularly in tech and manufacturing sectors that are vital to Germany's economy.