China Reclaims Top Spot as Germany’s Largest Trading Partner Amid US Tariff Pressure

BERLIN: China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner in the first eight months of 2025, according to preliminary data from the German statistics office. Total trade between Germany and China reached €163.4 billion (US$190.7 billion), narrowly surpassing the €162.8 billion recorded with the US.

Trading Partner

The reversal follows renewed US tariffs under President Donald Trump, which drove German exports to the US down 7.4% to €99.6 billion. In August alone, exports plunged 23.5% year-on-year. Analysts said tariffs, falling demand for German cars and machinery, and a stronger euro have hit US-bound sales hard.

While German exports to China fell 13.5% to €54.7 billion, imports from China jumped 8.3% to €108.8 billion, raising concerns about dumping prices and growing dependence on Chinese goods.

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