China has regained its position as Germany’s largest trading partner, with goods worth €251bn exchanged in 2025.
The figure marks a 2.2% rise from the previous year, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.
Trade with the United States totalled €240bn, down about 5%.
Analysts point to tariffs and rising trade tensions as contributing factors.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing this week for talks with Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang.
He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and trade relations.
Germany imported €170.6bn in goods from China while exporting €81.3bn in return.
Major carmakers such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rely heavily on the Chinese market.
The EU continues efforts to reduce strategic dependence on China, particularly in electric vehicles and critical minerals.
Germany’s strong industrial ties, especially in the car sector, make its approach more cautious.
