China has regained its position as Germany’s top trading partner, overtaking the United States, according to official data from Germany’s federal statistics agency, Destatis. From January to September, total trade between Germany and China rose slightly to nearly 186 billion euros ($215 billion), while trade with the United States fell by almost four percent to just under 185 billion euros.
China had been Germany’s largest trading partner from 2016 to 2023, but the U.S. had taken the top spot in 2024 as Germany sought to reduce its dependence on China. Analysts say the shift back to China reflects the impact of U.S. tariffs on German exports. A July trade deal imposed a baseline levy of 15 percent on EU exports to the United States, making it more expensive for German goods to reach U.S. markets.
Despite losing the top trading partner position, the United States remains Germany’s largest export market, especially for cars, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods, contributing to a substantial trade surplus for Germany. Meanwhile, Germany continues to run a large trade deficit with China, highlighting its ongoing dependence on Chinese imports, particularly rare earths, semiconductors, and other key industrial inputs.
Economists note that China is increasingly viewed as both a market and a competitor. Many Chinese firms have emerged as strong rivals to leading German companies, challenging Germany’s industrial dominance in key sectors. The renewed focus on China comes as Germany’s Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil visits Beijing, marking the first trip by a member of the country’s new ruling coalition since taking office in May, underlining the importance of maintaining close economic ties despite geopolitical concerns.