Germany’s trade with China surpassed that of the United States in 2025, reaching €251 billion, according to data released Friday by the Federal Statistical Office. The shift comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares for a two-day visit to Beijing beginning Tuesday, a trip intended to foster future cooperation despite growing transatlantic tensions.
The figures reveal a 2.2% increase in trade with China compared to 2024, when the US held the position as Germany’s top trading partner. Trade with the US totaled €240 billion in 2025, a 5% decrease attributed in part to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, according to the statistical office.
Germany’s imports from China reached approximately €170.6 billion in 2025, significantly exceeding the €81.3 billion in exports to China. This imbalance underscores the complex economic relationship between the two nations, particularly Germany’s reliance on Chinese goods.
Merz’s itinerary, as outlined by his spokesperson Sebastian Hille, includes a formal welcome with military honors on Wednesday, a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, and a dinner meeting with President Xi Jinping. The Chancellor is also scheduled to visit the Forbidden City, the robotics firm Unitree Robotics, and the German automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, as well as the turbine maker Siemens Energy. A visit to the city of Hangzhou is also planned.
The trip is expected to cover a range of sensitive topics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, human rights concerns, and trade imbalances. Merz is also expected to address the EU’s efforts to limit China’s manufacturing output, including tariffs on electric vehicles introduced in 2024, which have so far had limited impact on sales. Further tariffs on steel imports are being considered.
The German automotive industry, a cornerstone of the national economy, maintains a substantial manufacturing presence in China. Volkswagen has described the country as a “second home market,” while BMW and Mercedes-Benz are heavily dependent on Chinese sales. BMW Chief Executive Oliver Zipse, who will accompany Merz on the trip alongside a delegation of 30 business representatives, emphasized the need for collaboration. “Complex global challenges can only be solved by working together,” Zipse told Reuters. “With his trip to China, the chancellor is sending a strong signal for dialogue and cooperation.”
The European Union is actively pursuing a strategy of “de-risking” its economic relationship with China, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies of rare earth minerals, critical minerals, and refined materials essential for electric vehicle batteries and other technologies. However, Germany’s commitment to supporting its automotive industry has led to a more nuanced approach to trade barriers. Germany opposed the EU’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024 and recently secured an exemption for the Volkswagen Cupra Tavascan SUV, contingent on minimum pricing commitments.
