China narrows gap with U.S. as Germany’s biggest trading partner
China came close to overtaking the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner in the first half of 2025, preliminary data from the German statistics office showed, as German exports to the U.S. declined amid higher tariffs.
German imports and exports with the U.S. totalled about €125 billion ($145 billion) from January to June, while trade with China reached €122.8 billion, according to Reuters calculations.
“Although the U.S. was able to defend its position as Germany’s most important trading partner, the lead over German trade with China is razor-thin,” said Vincent Stamer, economist at Commerzbank.
The U.S. had overtaken China as Germany’s top trading partner in 2024, ending an eight-year streak for China. The shift came as Germany sought to reduce its reliance on China, with Berlin citing political differences and accusing Beijing of unfair practices.
– Reuters
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