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Germany Posts 0.2% Growth in 2025 as Export Drag Persists

Statisticians attribute the uptick to domestic demand in the face of tariffs, a stronger euro and Chinese competition.

Economists expect government spending to boost German growth this year
Germany's flagship auto sector is battling a deep crisis
Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the economy is in a 'very critical' state
Several of Germany's traditional manufacturers shed jobs in 2025

Overview

  • Germany’s GDP grew 0.2% in 2025 after declines of 0.5% in 2024 and 0.9% in 2023, official data show.
  • Preliminary figures indicate the economy expanded 0.2% in the fourth quarter from the previous three months.
  • Household and government spending underpinned the result, while investment remained weak in equipment and construction.
  • Exports contracted 0.3% for a third straight year and manufacturing output fell 1.3%, with autos and mechanical engineering suffering most.
  • The Merz government is ramping up infrastructure and defence spending with a 1.3% growth projection for 2026, as the Bundesbank and economic institutes urge structural reforms.