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China overtakes US as Germany’s top trading partner

Sunday, 22 February 2026 6:22 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 22 February 2026 6:22 PM ]

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on May 28, 2025. (Photo by AP)

China has surpassed the United States to become Germany’s largest trading partner, according to newly released official figures, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares for his first official visit to Beijing since taking office.

Data published by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office on Sunday show that total trade between Germany and China reached €251 billion in 2025, up 2.2% from the previous year. German imports from China amounted to €170.6 billion, while exports to China stood at €81.3 billion.

By comparison, trade with the United States totaled €240 billion, marking a 5% decline that analysts partly attribute to tariffs introduced under US President Donald Trump.

Merz is due to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday and will meet Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping during the two-day visit. Talks are expected to cover trade, the war in Ukraine and human rights.

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The European Commission president warns the new tariffs by the US will be a major blow to the world economy.

The visit comes as the European Union seeks to reduce economic dependence on China, particularly in areas such as electric vehicles and critical raw materials. Germany, whose carmakers, including Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, rely heavily on the Chinese market, has taken a more cautious approach to EU tariffs on Chinese imports.

BMW chief executive Oliver Zipse will join a delegation of business leaders accompanying the chancellor, emphasizing continued economic ties despite broader geopolitical tensions.

Germany previously voted against an EU decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs in 2024. This month, it was spared EU tariffs on imports of the China-built Volkswagen Cupra Tavascan SUV after agreeing to minimum price undertakings for the vehicle, highlighting Berlin’s nuanced approach to balancing industrial interests with broader European trade policy.

Merz’s visit is expected to test how Germany navigates its economic dependence on China while aligning with EU efforts to reduce strategic vulnerabilities.

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