For the first time since 2015, the United States has become Germany’s biggest single trading partner, surpassing China, as exports to the Asian nation declined, according to official figures.
Trade between the U.S. and Germany, Europe’s largest economy, rose by 0.1%, reaching €252.8 billion in 2024, as reported by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office. In contrast, trade with China fell by 3.1%, totaling €246.3 billion.
The Netherlands came in third with a trade volume of €205.7 billion, a 4.2% drop from the previous year. Germany has experienced minimal economic growth over the past five years, with increasing competition from Chinese companies, contributing to a contraction in its economy over the last two years.
Germany’s trade surplus with the U.S. grew to €70 billion in 2024, up from €63.3 billion in 2023, as exports from Germany rose by 2.2% to €161.4 billion. However, U.S. imports from Germany fell by 3.4% to €91.4 billion.
Meanwhile, Germany’s trade deficit with China widened, with Chinese imports declining by 0.3% to €156.3 billion, while German exports to China dropped by 7.6%, totaling €90 billion.
Overall, Germany’s exports for 2024 amounted to €1.56 trillion, a 1.2% decline compared to 2023, while imports from around the world fell by 3% to €1.32 trillion.
