Particle.news
Download on the App Store

China Narrowly Reclaims Top Spot as Germany’s Biggest Goods Partner for Jan–Sep 2025

Rising imports from China coupled with sharper German export falls to China pushed the ranking shift.

Overview

  • Combined goods trade reached €185.9 billion with China (+0.6% year over year) versus €184.7 billion with the United States (−3.9%).
  • Germany exported €61.4 billion to China (−12.3%) and €112.7 billion to the United States (−7.8%), leaving the U.S. as Germany’s largest export market.
  • Imports from China rose 8.5% to €124.5 billion, keeping China Germany’s top supplier, with the strongest gains in electrical equipment, clothing and machines; imports from the U.S. totaled €71.9 billion (+2.8%).
  • Auto exports fell steeply to both partners (China −35.9% to €10.9 billion; U.S. −13.9% to €22.4 billion), alongside declines in machinery and electrical equipment to China.
  • The lead over the U.S. is narrow (about €1.2 billion) after the U.S. held the top spot in 2024, underscoring how sector swings can quickly shift partner rankings.