Before the USA
China is again Germany’s most important trading partner
China is again Germany’s most important trading partner – ahead of the USA. The reason is the increased imports. Exports to China, however, fell.
China has again overtaken the USA as Germany’s most important trading partner. Foreign trade turnover with China rose slightly by 0.6 percent to 185.9 billion euros from January to September thanks to large imports from the People’s Republic, as the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden announced.
At the same time, the trade volume with the USA shrank by 3.9 percent compared to the same period last year to 184.7 billion euros. China was Germany’s most important trading partner from 2016 to 2023 and was pushed out of first place by the United States in 2024.
USA leads in exports despite tariff dispute
From January to September, Germany’s exports to China fell by a good twelve percent to 61.4 billion euros, more sharply than exports to the USA, which fell by 7.8 percent. In particular, car exports to both the USA and China collapsed.
With an export volume of 112.7 billion euros, the USA remained the most important export country for German goods, as it has been since 2015 – despite the customs dispute with US President Donald Trump. China was only sixth in the rankings.
Imports from China are rising sharply
However, imports from China rose sharply by 8.5 percent in the first nine months of 2025, while imports from the United States only increased by 2.8 percent. The People’s Republic of China was the most important supplier country for Germany, far ahead of the Netherlands, with imports totaling 124.5 billion euros.
According to economists, China is diverting goods to Europe – and thus also to the German market – because of the tariff dispute with Trump. The USA comes in third place with imports of almost 72 billion euros. German imports from China have risen particularly sharply over the course of the year so far in electrical equipment, clothing and machinery. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) is currently on a trip to China promoting cooperation with Beijing.
