Summary
During the first eight months of 2025, China became Germany's largest trading partner, surpassing the United States. German trade with China amounted to $190.7 billion, slightly more than the $189 billion with the US. This change is partly due to President Trump's new tariffs, which have reduced German exports to the US.
Key Facts
- China overtook the US as Germany's largest trading partner from January to August 2025.
- Germany traded $190.7 billion with China and $189 billion with the US in this period.
- China was overtaken by the US as Germany's top trading partner in 2024, but regained the position in 2025.
- US tariffs under President Trump's administration led to a 7.4% drop in German exports to the US compared to 2024.
- German exports to the US decreased by 23.5% in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
- US demand for German goods like cars, machinery, and chemicals has declined.
- German exports to China also decreased by 13.5%, while imports from China grew by 8.3%.
- There are concerns about increased dependence on Chinese imports due to their low prices.
