According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the country exported €131.1 billion worth of goods in April 2025—down 1.7% from the previous month and 2.1% compared to April 2024. However, exports for the January–April period were up slightly by 0.2%, as many companies front-loaded shipments in anticipation of new US tariffs.
US: Exports hit lowest level in months
Seasonally adjusted exports to the United States fell by 10.5% in April to €13.0 billion—the lowest monthly figure since October 2024. On a year-on-year basis, exports were down 6.3%.
The sharp drop follows a newly introduced US tariff package, which includes 50% import duties on steel and aluminium.
China shifts focus to Germany
While Chinese exports to the US plunged by 34.5% in May, shipments to Germany rose by more than 20% for the second consecutive month, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, citing data from China’s customs authority. As a result, Germany has emerged as a key alternative market for Chinese exporters in the face of escalating US trade barriers.
Other export destinations under pressure
- China: German exports declined by 5.9% to €7.0 billion
- United Kingdom: Down 2.1% to €6.3 billion
- Non-EU countries overall: Exports dropped 4.8% to €58.1 billion compared to March
(Note: “Non-EU countries” refers to all export destinations outside the European Union.)
Imports: China remains Germany’s largest supplier
Germany imported €13.9 billion worth of goods from China in April, a 4.1% decline from March. Imports from the US rose by 3.9% to €8.4 billion, while imports from the UK fell by 8.1% to €3.0 billion.
Industry concerns and economic outlook
Dirk Jandura, president of the German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services Association (BGA), urged swift action:
“Exports to the US are collapsing – the EU must engage in constructive talks to reach a tariff agreement. Cooperation with the US is essential.”
Joachim Nagel, president of Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, warned of broader risks:
“The new US tariffs and ongoing uncertainty over US trade policy are dampening economic growth in Germany—just as the industrial sector had started to recover.”
Volker Treier, head of foreign trade at the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), added:
“German businesses are facing worsening trade conditions in nearly every major global market.”
