USA Regains Position as Germany's Top Trading Partner, China Falls to Second

In a significant shift in international trade dynamics, the United States has reclaimed its status as Germany's foremost trading partner for the first time since 2015. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the total value of imports and exports between Germany and the U.S. reached EUR252.8 billion last year. This figure surpasses that of China, which totaled EUR246.3 billion, marking the first time since 2016 that China has not held the top position.

The Netherlands follows as the third-largest trading partner, with a combined trade volume of EUR205.7 billion in 2024. While trade with the U.S. has seen a modest increase of 0.1% year-on-year, trade with China experienced a decline, primarily due to a 3.1% drop in German exports to the Chinese market.

Since 2015, the U.S. has been the largest single market for German goods, with German exports to the U.S. valued at EUR161.4 billion last year, up 2.2% from the previous year. France and the Netherlands are the second and third largest destinations for German exports, valued at EUR116.2 billion and EUR110.5 billion, respectively.

On the import side, China continues to be the leading supplier of goods to Germany. Despite a slight decrease to EUR156.3 billion, Chinese products remain the most significant source of imports. The Netherlands and the U.S. rank second and third in this category, with imports valued at EUR95.2 billion and EUR91.4 billion, respectively.

In 2024, Germany's most prominent export products included automobiles and automotive parts, totaling EUR262 billion, despite a 4% decrease. Machinery and chemical products followed, with values of EUR216.5 billion and EUR138.6 billion, respectively, both also experiencing slight declines.

The trade landscape is complicated by U.S. tariffs imposed under the administration of former President Donald Trump, including tariffs on steel and aluminum, and potential tariffs of 25% on automobile imports. This uncertainty raises questions about the future of German manufacturers engaged in trade with the U.S.

Overall, Germany exported goods worth EUR1.556 trillion in 2024, representing a 1.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Imports fell more sharply, down 3% to EUR1.3169 trillion, resulting in an export surplus of EUR239.1 billion, up from EUR217.7 billion in 2023.