Record Trade: China Displaces America and Returns as Germany’s Largest Trading Partner Due to Rising Imports

China has reclaimed its position as Germany's most important trading partner, surpassing the United States during the first nine months of 2025, driven by a significant increase in German imports from Beijing.

Trade Figures and Commercial Rankings

• Trade Volume with China: The total trade volume with China slightly increased by 0.6% (from January to September 2025) to reach €185.9 billion.

• Decline in Trade with America: In contrast, the trade volume with the United States decreased by 3.9% to €184.7 billion.

• Historical Rank: China was Germany's most important trading partner between 2016 and 2023, before temporarily dropping in 2024 in favor of the US.

Export and Import Movement

Indicator	China	United States	Notes
Value of German Imports	€124.8 Billion (+8.5%)	€72 Billion (approx. +2%)	China becomes Germany’s top supplier, significantly ahead of the Netherlands.
Value of German Exports	€61.4 Billion (-12%)	€112.7 Billion (-7.8%)	The United States remains the most important market for German exports despite the decline.

This shift occurs amid a sharp decline in German car exports to both countries, and a noticeable increase in German imports from China across electrical equipment, clothing, and machinery sectors.