In 2024, the US still ranked first. Germany is now returning to a constellation that already existed from 2016 to 2023.
In third place are the Netherlands with a trade volume of 209.1 billion euros.
Why the top spot changed hands
The change at the top is not merely a statistical shift; it is the result of clear movements in trade.
1. Significantly rising imports from China
In 2025, Germany imported goods worth 170.6 billion euros from China—an increase of 8.8 percent compared with the previous year. This was offset by exports to China worth 81.3 billion euros, which fell by 9.7 percent.
Germany’s import surplus with China therefore grew significantly, from 66.9 billion euros in 2024 to 89.3 billion euros in 2025.
The most important imports from China were:
- data processing equipment as well as electrical and optical products (50.9 bn euros; +4.9%)
- electrical equipment (32.8 bn euros; +14.8%)
- machinery (13.9 bn euros; +11.6%)
China is thus further expanding its role as a key supplier country.
2. Shrinking trade with the US
At the same time, total trade in goods with the United States fell by 5.0 percent. German exports to the US dropped by 9.4 percent to 146.2 billion euros. The automotive sector was particularly hard hit: exports of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts fell by 17.8 percent to 28.5 billion euros.
US imports into Germany, by contrast, rose slightly to 94.3 billion euros (+2.7%).
Germany’s export surplus with the US therefore decreased noticeably, from 69.6 billion euros to 51.9 billion euros.
The decline in transatlantic trade was thus a key factor behind the change in ranking.
The US remains the most important sales market—France and the Netherlands follow
Despite the change in trading partner, the United States remains the most important destination country for German exports. In 2025, goods worth 146.2 billion euros were delivered there, a decline of 9.4 percent. The largest share was accounted for by motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts at 28.5 billion euros (-17.8%), followed by pharmaceutical products at 28.0 billion euros (+0.5%).
In second place among the most important export markets was France with 117.4 billion euros (+2.0%), and in third place the Netherlands with 112.5 billion euros (+2.9%).
China ranks only sixth among export destinations.
Germany’s export surplus with the US fell significantly, from 69.6 billion euros in 2024 to 51.9 billion euros in 2025.
Foreign trade surplus shrinks significantly
Overall, Germany exported goods worth 1,563.0 billion euros (+0.9%) in 2025, while imports rose more strongly to 1,362.5 billion euros (+4.3%).
The foreign trade surplus thus fell from 242.9 billion euros in 2024 to 200.5 billion euros—a decline of 42.4 billion euros.
The trend shows that the German economy is losing export momentum, while dependence on imports is growing.
What this means for transport and logistics
For the logistics and port industry, this has several implications:
- Asia trade lanes remain high-volume, especially on the import side.
- Transatlantic exports are losing momentum, particularly in the automotive segment.
- The structure of goods flows is shifting in favour of import-driven container traffic.
The renewed change in leadership between China and the US is therefore more than a symbolic act. It reflects a structural shift in global trade, with growing import flows from Asia and weaker export performance into key sales markets. tolls automation
