Drop in Export Levels by Germany in First Half of 2025
In the first half of 2025, Germany's trade statistics reveal a continued trade surplus, albeit narrower compared to previous years, as a result of rising imports outpacing stagnant export growth.
Trade Surplus
Germany recorded a trade surplus of €18.4 billion in May 2025 and €14.9 billion in June 2025, showing a decline from earlier months but still positive[1][2]. For the first half of 2025, the trade surplus stood at about €104 billion, down 22.2% from €133.7 billion in H1 2024[3].
Exports
Exports showed signs of stagnation in H1 2025, with a total of approximately €786 billion and only minor growth (+0.2% year-on-year for the first five months). In June 2025, exports rose by 0.8% month-over-month to €130.5 billion and were up 2.4% compared to June 2024[1][2][3]. However, exports to major markets such as the United States declined (down 7.7% in May), affected by trade frictions like tariffs[1].
Imports
Imports increased notably, driven by energy costs, domestic consumption, and industrial demand for intermediate goods, rising 4.6% year-on-year in the first five months and 7.9% compared to June 2024; in June alone, imports were €115.6 billion, up 4.2% from May[1][2][3]. The increase in imports from both EU and non-EU countries was a key contributor to the shrinking surplus[1].
Major Trading Partners
Traditional leading partners remain the US, China, the Netherlands, and France. However, trade with Eastern European neighbors surged, with trade volume increasing by €5.4 billion to €275 billion. Poland stands out as Germany's fifth largest trading partner with record trade values and exports to Poland exceeding those to China[5]. Trade with the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Ukraine also grew significantly, suggesting a geographic diversification in Germany’s trade relations[5].
Key Sectors
Data processing equipment was the second main import, valued at €68.0 billion euros. Motor vehicles and vehicle parts were the main import goods, valued at €73.7 billion. The exports of motor vehicles and vehicle parts were the main German export goods, valued at €131.8 billion, with a decrease of 3.4% compared to the first half of 2024[4]. Machinery was the second main German export, valued at €106.9 billion, also with a decrease of 3.4% compared to the first half of 2024[4].
Exports of data processing equipment increased by 3.6% to €65.7 billion, while exports of chemical products showed a 2.7% decrease[4]. However, exports of pharmaceutical products increased by 5.6% to €61.4 billion[4].
Imports and Exports with Key Countries
Imports from China were valued at €81.3 billion, with a significant increase of 10.7 percent. Exports to China were valued at €48.3 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of €46.1 billion, an increase of 58.4%[4]. Exports to the Netherlands remained the same at €55.7 billion, while exports to France were valued at €59.2 billion, down 2.1 percent[4]. Imports from the United States increased moderately by 2.7 percent to their current value of €47.4 billion, and exports to the United States were valued at €77.6 billion, down 3.9 percent from the first half of 2024[4].
In summary, Germany in 2025 faces a trade environment of robust import growth and relatively flat export performance, resulting in a reduced but still substantial trade surplus. Shifts in key partners with growing eastern European trade highlight evolving trade dynamics amidst global economic uncertainties[1][2][3][5].
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