German and US Flag

After eight years, the United States has replaced China as Germany’s most important trading partner, with significant shifts, particularly in imports. In the first half of the year, the trade exchange with the U.S. amounted to approximately 127 billion euros, surpassing the 122 billion euros with China, according to Reuters’ calculations based on preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office.

In 2023, China had maintained its position as Germany’s top trading partner for the eighth consecutive year, with a trade volume of about 253 billion euros, narrowly edging out the U.S. by a few hundred million euros. Lola Machleid, a foreign trade expert at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), noted that the U.S. has overtaken China in total trade volume, which includes both imports and exports, due to the resilient U.S. economy boosting exports. Overall, German exports to the U.S. grew by 3.3% to nearly 81 billion euros in the first six months, while trade with China decreased by almost 3% to just over 48 billion euros. Imports from China dropped by nearly 8% to 73.5 billion euros, influenced by Germany’s economic weakness, consumer restraint, and a desire for more diversified supply chains. In contrast, imports from the U.S. fell by only 3.4% to 46.1 billion euros, supported by energy resource deliveries such as liquefied natural gas. Machleid emphasized the uncertainty of the ongoing competition between the U.S. and China as Germany’s top trading partner, given the current geopolitical uncertainties and economic developments in all three regions. She stressed the importance of avoiding trade disputes and new trade barriers for Germany’s highly interconnected economy.

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