China has reclaimed its position as Germany's largest trading partner after bilateral goods trade reached 1.51 trillion yuan ($220.9 billion) in 2025, marking a 5.2% year-on-year increase. This growth outpaces China's overall foreign trade expansion, underscoring the resilience of economic ties between the world's second and third largest economies.
Germany maintained its status as China's primary European trading partner while welcoming renewed Chinese leadership in this strategic partnership – the ninth time in the past decade China has held this position. Analysts attribute the sustained collaboration to deep industrial integration, particularly in automotive manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and advanced machinery sectors.
The trade figures highlight how both nations continue benefiting from complementary economic structures, with German precision engineering products flowing eastward as Chinese electronics and green technology components supply European markets. This partnership remains crucial for global supply chain stability amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
For business professionals and investors, the sustained trade growth signals continued opportunities in cross-border innovation partnerships and sustainable technology development. Academics note the relationship serves as a critical case study in balancing economic interdependence with domestic industrial policy objectives.
