China has reclaimed its position as Germany's largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching 251.8 billion euros ($296.6 billion), according to new data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office. This marks a resurgence in economic ties after the United States briefly held the top position in 2024.
The figures reveal a 2.1% year-on-year growth in Sino-German trade, driven primarily by German imports of Chinese goods totaling 170.6 billion euros. While exports to China grew to 81.3 billion euros, analysts note the relationship remains asymmetrical, reflecting ongoing debates about trade balance in European policy circles.
U.S.-Germany trade suffered a 5% contraction to 240.5 billion euros last year, attributed to American tariff policies and trade disputes. German exports to the U.S. plummeted 9.4% to 146.2 billion euros, with the German Economic Institute calculating this decline erased 0.81 percentage points from Germany's export growth through September 2025.
Volker Treier of the German Chamber of Commerce described 2025 as "a difficult year for exporters," while acknowledging China's renewed importance as Germany's top international market. The German trade surplus narrowed significantly to 200.5 billion euros, down 42.4 billion euros from 2024 levels.
Industry groups highlight structural challenges including U.S. protectionist measures, geopolitical tensions, and sluggish global demand. As Germany's total goods exports grew modestly by 0.9% to 1.563 trillion euros, policymakers are closely watching how these shifting trade patterns might influence European economic strategies in 2026.
