The United States Regains Its Position as Germany’s Top Trading Partner
In a significant shift in global trade dynamics, the United States has once again emerged as Germany’s most important trading partner, a position it last held in 2015. According to recent data released by the German Federal Statistical Office, the combined value of imports and exports between the two countries reached €252.8 billion in 2024.
This surge in trade volume propelled the United States ahead of China, which had held the top spot since 2016. China’s trade with Germany amounted to €246.3 billion in 2024, a decline from its peak years. The Netherlands secured third place, with trade reaching €205.7 billion.
A Positive Year for US-Germany Trade, a Decline with China
The growth in US-Germany trade was driven by a modest increase in both exports and imports, amounting to a 0.1% increase overall. In contrast, trade with China contracted by 3.1%, primarily due to a decrease in German exports to that country.
The United States as the Primary Destination for German Exports
Since 2015, the United States has consistently served as the largest single market for German-made goods. This trend continued in 2024, with German companies exporting goods worth €161.4 billion to the US, an increase of 2.2% from the previous year. France remained the second-largest export destination for German exports (€116.2 billion), followed by the Netherlands (€110.5 billion).
China Dominates German Imports
On the import front, Chinese goods have dominated the German market since 2015. Despite a slight decline to €156.3 billion in 2024, China retained its position as the largest supplier of goods to Germany by a significant margin. The Netherlands and the United States followed as the second- and third-largest suppliers, contributing €95.2 billion and €91.4 billion, respectively.
Automotive and Machinery Exports Lead the Way
German exports were dominated by automobiles and automotive parts, which totaled €262 billion despite a 4.0% decline from the previous year. Machinery exports came in second (€216.5 billion/-4.8%), followed by chemical products (€138.6 billion/-2.1%).
Uncertainty over US-Germany Trade Relations
The future of trade relations between Germany and the United States remains uncertain. US President Donald Trump has already imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Germany and has threatened to impose additional tariffs on automotive imports. These actions have raised concerns among German manufacturers about the implications for their exports to the United States.
Germany’s Overall Trade Performance
Overall, German exports declined by 1.2% in 2024, reaching a total value of €1,556 billion. Imports also experienced a more significant decline of 3.0%, falling to €1,316.9 billion. This resulted in a widening of Germany’s trade surplus to €239.1 billion, up from €217.7 billion in 2023.
